Employees (including casual workers) who become pregnant are entitled to Maternity Leave, regardless of how long they have been working for the organisation or the number of hours worked per week. The entitlement to leave is enshrined in the Maternity Protection Act, 1994 and the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act, 2004. The current entitlement is to 26 weeks’ maternity leave together with 16 weeks additional unpaid maternity leave.
Under the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 at least 2 weeks have to be taken before the end of the week of your baby's expected birth and at least 4 weeks after.
Information regarding Maternity Benefits may be obtained from the Department of Social Protection.
Copies of the Acts may be viewed or downloaded here – Maternity Protection Act, 1994 and Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act, 2004.