Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Protection, Claire Kerrane TD, has welcomed the Government’s commitment to finally fulfilling its promises on Paid Parent’s Leave but warned there can be no further delays.

Speaking today, Teachta Kerrane said:

“I welcome that Minister O’Gorman has said that the additional Paid Parent’s Leave will be paid from next month.

“It was initially pledged last summer and was included in the Budget five months ago. These delays in releasing the money have been totally unacceptable and families have been placed under huge financial pressure by the Government’s failure to make this a priority.

“I raised this issue repeatedly in the Dáil and wrote to the Minster urging him to take action a fortnight ago. I welcome that this is finally happening but it does not erase the totally unnecessary stress that this Government has caused families through its inaction.

“I note that the Minister has said payments will be back-paid. I would urge him to ensure that this money goes into families’ pockets without delay. Given the delays so far, it would be entirely unacceptable for further delays. This latest commitment cannot be allowed to become yet another broken promise by this Government.

“The Government must prioritise ensuring that this money is released urgently, so parents can get much needed help.

“I also want to commend the many parents and campaigners who have been campaigning so passionately on this important issue. It is vital that ordinary families across the state are not ignored and that the extremely difficult challenges they are facing are recognised by the Government.

“I will continue to hold the Government to account on this until families get the support they need.”