544. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is aware that workers are protected from redundancy only once maternity leave has officially begun; if he is aware that this means that even if a pregnant woman has only a few days left before her leave starts, she can still be made redundant; if he is aware of the difficulties for someone who is two months away from giving birth to find a new job in this situation; if he is aware of the material difference between jobseeker’s benefit and continuing stable employment while preparing for childbirth and caring for a newborn; if he has considered that this uncertainty alone brings enormous stress to an expectant mother; if he will consider examining the UK and the rest-of-EU approach, where there are stronger protections for pregnant employees facing redundancy, when looking into this matter; if will consider strengthening protections in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73437/25]

Summary

544. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is aware that workers are protected from redundancy only once maternity leave has officially begun; if he is aware that this means that even if a pregnant woman has only a few days left before her leave starts, she can still be made redundant; if he is aware of the difficulties for someone who is two months away from giving birth to find a new job in this situation; if he is aware of the material difference between jobseeker’s benefit and continuing stable employment while preparing for childbirth and caring for a newborn; if he has considered that this uncertainty alone brings enormous stress to an expectant mother; if he will consider examining the UK and the rest-of-EU approach, where there are stronger protections for pregnant employees facing redundancy, when looking into this matter; if will consider strengthening protections in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73437/25]

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