Ireland should follow New Zealand’s lead and provide paid leave for workers who suffer a miscarriage, according to Fianna Fail and the Social Democrats.
Politicians in New Zealand have voted in favour of paid bereavement leave for mothers and partners after a miscarriage or stillbirth.
Ireland provides full maternity leave for women who miscarry from 24 weeks onwards.
Jennifer Whitmore, the Social Democrats children’s spokesperson, said: “As things stand, our bereavement payment only covers five days’ leave for employees who experience the death of a close relative or a stillbirth.
“Our legislation falls short of protecting women and prospective parents during the often unpredictable journey of parenthood.”
Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers added: “We must consider paid bereavement leave for parents who suffer a miscarriage or stillbirth and allow parents to grieve without them having to take up their other employee leave entitlements.
“My Seanad colleague, Labour Senator Ivana Bacik, has brought forward the Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021 – that will provide for reproductive health-related leave in Irish workplaces which we as a party will be supporting.”
