Plans to extend the length of maternity leave mother's of premature babies get will be decided by the Cabinet today.
The Green Party first put forth the proposal in April of this year and they want it to be reflected in Budget 2018. According to
RTE, the proposal is seeking maternity cover to be extended between the baby's birth and when the mother's leave was due to commence.
At present, mothers are entitled to 26 weeks State funded maternity leave, under the Maternity Protection Acts 1994 and 2004.
The new proposal will see mothers with premature babies getting an extension after the 26 weeks.
This change will benefit nearly 4,500 women annually.
Minister for Health Simon Harris will also put forth a proposal to the Government to provide funding to families who cannot afford fertility treatment.
