Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Brian Lawless/PA
maternity benefit

PICS: Pregnant mothers protest against maternity benefit cut outside Dáil

The Social Welfare Bill passed its final stage in the Dáil today though Fianna Fáil’s Willie O’Dea said it’s not too late for the government to reverse this cut.

PREGNANT MOTHERS STAGED a protest outside the Dáil today against proposed cuts to maternity benefit as TDs inside discussed the Social Welfare Bill for the last time before voting to pass it.

The measures announced the in budget will see maternity benefit standarised at €230 per week for new claimants from January next year. The National Women’s Council has said that the decision will lead to a “de-facto reduction of €32 per week for the vast majority of women”.

Today’s protest was organised by the National Women’s Council, Action on X, local community groups and NGOs.

Speaking in support of the women today, Socialist Party Councillor Ruth Coppinger said “today’s protest is a welcome and correct initiative”.

“However it needs to be part of a sustained protest movement against austerity,” she said. “Such a movement would be doubly powerful if it embraced a radical left and anti-capitalist programme.”

Fianna Fail TD Willie O’Dea said this is “yet another major blow to working women and young families”.

“Despite the fact that the Social Welfare Bill has passed through the Dáil today, there is still time for the government to reconsider this additional cut before it kicks in in January,” he added.

PICS: Pregnant mothers protest against maternity benefit cut outside Dáil
1 / 7
  • Protest against cuts to maternity benefit

    Source: Brian Lawless/PA
  • Protest against cuts to maternity benefitst

    Source: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
  • Protest against cuts to maternity benefit

    Deirdre McCarthy covers her son Paddy Nevin, 3 years old, from the rain during the protest.Source: Brian Lawless/PA
  • Protest against cuts to maternity benefit

    Sian and Juno (aged 14 months) Muldowney from Dublin.Source: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • Protest against cuts to maternity benefit

    Catherine McGowan and her daughter Sophie (aged 1) from Drogheda.Source: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • Protest against cuts to maternity benefit

    Source: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
  • Protest against cuts to maternity benefit

    Jacqueline Healy from the National Womens Council of Ireland who is 8 months pregnant.Source: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland

Poll: Do you support the new standarised rate of maternity benefit?>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
68
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.