Fine Gael TD says increase in parents’ benefit is needed

The introduction of a Pay-Related Parents’ Benefit represents a significant opportunity to reshape how families are supported in a child’s first year, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Fine Gael TD Emer Currie was speaking on foot of an announcement by the Minister for Social Protection in the Dáil on Thursday, outlining governent’ plans to launch a public consultation this autumn on Pay-Related Parent’s Benefit.

Currie has been leading calls for reform of infant supports, highlighting how parents can find themselves caught in a catch-22 between accessing extended Parent’s Leave and securing childcare for children aged under one.

She explained: “For too many families, the first year of a baby’s life is shaped by financial pressure and uncertainty.

“I have consistently raised the need for a support system which recognises the realities facing parents who either want to stay at home but cannot afford to or want to return to work but cannot find childcare.

“Today’s confirmation of a public consultation on Pay-Related Parent’s Benefit is a clear acknowledgement that the current model needs to be examined. This would build on the success of Pay-Related Jobseekers which offers 50-60% of prior earnings, up to a maximum of €450 per week.

“Working parents would see very tangible benefits of paying their contributions over the course of their careers, at a very important time in their child’s life.”

The consultation will invite the views of parents, employers, stakeholders and members of the public to inform Government decision-making around other family and related benefits such as maternity and paternity leave.

“This is a real opportunity to reform our current system. Currently, one third of women do not receive employer top-ups for maternity benefit and are reliant solely on the statutory payment. One third are also not availing of their full nine weeks of Parent’s Leave.”

“Among fathers, approximately 55% take paternity leave, but only 25% take the additional nine weeks of Parent’s Leave available to them.

“These figures show that parents are making financial decisions, not always free choices.

“Linking Parent’s Benefit to earnings would give a greater financial security net to families who are adjusting to a new chapter and would ensure that crucial first formative year is all it should be, both for the child and for parents.”