The labour ministry is accelerating efforts to implement its second package of demographic recovery measures, aiming to submit initial legislation to parliament by month’s end for approval before the Christmas recess.
The ministry began sending draft legislation to social partners, including trade unions and employers’ organisations, on Monday for review and feedback.
According to philenews sources, Labour Minister has requested comments on the Social Insurance Amendment Bill, which aims to increase childbirth benefits, by Wednesday.
The proposed legislation, which will be retroactive from October 1, 2024, would increase childbirth benefits to €1,000 for the first child, €1,500 for the second, and €2,000 for the third and subsequent children.
Currently, around 8,000 mothers annually receive €628.92 from the Social Insurance Fund.
The ministry aims to present the bill at Thursday’s cabinet meeting, potentially submitting it to parliament the same day for committee review next week.
Additional draft legislation, including expanded parental leave provisions, was also shared with social partners on Monday.
The comprehensive package, announced last Wednesday, includes plans to double parental leave beneficiaries by extending the child age limit from 8 to 15 years, increase leave duration from eight to 10 weeks for second children and to 12 weeks for third children, and remove income criteria for child benefits for families with five or more dependent children.
Further measures scheduled for 2025 include a scheme to support workplace nursery facilities, expected to launch in the second quarter, and a new benefit of €200 monthly for 24 months for first-time mothers under 30, starting September 2025.
Read more:
