Under the Act, an employer is not obliged to pay an employee during maternity leave, additional maternity leave, and father’s leave or after the first 21 days of health and safety leave. However, the following arrangements are applicable to nurses employed in the public health service.

Both temporary and permanent nurses (working full-time or part-time), employed in the public health service who are on maternity leave will receive their full normal pay (less any social welfare entitlements, where applicable).

Maternity Benefit

Employees who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions (Class A) are paid maternity benefit directly from the Department of Social Protection.

If you satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions you will be paid maternity benefit directly from the Dept of Social Protection.  The amount of Maternity Benefit is €230pw for claims beginning on or after 6 January 2014. 

For further information regarding maternity benefit please contact:

Department of Social Protection
Inner Relief Road
Ardarvan
Buncrana
Donegal

Tel: 074 946 4491 or Locall: 1890 690 690
Website: www.welfare.ie