Menu
12/11/2018
More Statutory Parental Leave Needed For Premature Babies
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has backed calls for extra statutory parental leave for parents of prematurely-born babies.
It follows calls from Sarah Kirker from Larne, who gave birth in April to a baby boy who was the most premature baby in the UK at the time. Despite her son having an underdeveloped nervous and immune system, Mrs Kirker is due back to work in December as her maternity leave comes to an end.
Ms Armstrong forwarded an Assembly motion earlier this year, calling for extended statutory parental leave for babies born well before their due date, but it will not be carried forward until the restoration of power sharing at Stormont.
"Many parents end up in the situation where their baby is born premature and they spend their days travelling to and from hospital caring for their child. It is vital they are given the support they need without having to worry about a looming return to work," the MLA for Strangford said.
"If my Assembly motion is successful, it will mean parents of premature babies will have statutory paternal leave increased for the same amount of time a baby is premature, allowing them to then have the same amount of time at home having a full experience with their babies as all other parents.
"The Republic of Ireland has extended maternity leave for such parents, while London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he would allow extra paid leave for City Hall staff. It is frustrating parents here in the same circumstances cannot avail of the same benefits. It is important we get the Assembly restored as soon as possible so we can take them out of that limbo."
(JG)
It follows calls from Sarah Kirker from Larne, who gave birth in April to a baby boy who was the most premature baby in the UK at the time. Despite her son having an underdeveloped nervous and immune system, Mrs Kirker is due back to work in December as her maternity leave comes to an end.
Ms Armstrong forwarded an Assembly motion earlier this year, calling for extended statutory parental leave for babies born well before their due date, but it will not be carried forward until the restoration of power sharing at Stormont.
"Many parents end up in the situation where their baby is born premature and they spend their days travelling to and from hospital caring for their child. It is vital they are given the support they need without having to worry about a looming return to work," the MLA for Strangford said.
"If my Assembly motion is successful, it will mean parents of premature babies will have statutory paternal leave increased for the same amount of time a baby is premature, allowing them to then have the same amount of time at home having a full experience with their babies as all other parents.
"The Republic of Ireland has extended maternity leave for such parents, while London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he would allow extra paid leave for City Hall staff. It is frustrating parents here in the same circumstances cannot avail of the same benefits. It is important we get the Assembly restored as soon as possible so we can take them out of that limbo."
(JG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 July 2003
Support network set up for parents of premature babies
A network of support for Northern Ireland’s ‘early arrivals’ is to be set up to ease the plight of parents of premature and multiple babies.
Support network set up for parents of premature babies
A network of support for Northern Ireland’s ‘early arrivals’ is to be set up to ease the plight of parents of premature and multiple babies.
22 June 2010
Nursery Unit 'Born' At Daisy Hill
There's been a 'new arrival' in south Down's main hospital complex. Former office accommodation beside the existing maternity unit at Daisy Hill in Newry has been completely revamped into a bright and airy space - with the building contract now completed and handed over.
Nursery Unit 'Born' At Daisy Hill
There's been a 'new arrival' in south Down's main hospital complex. Former office accommodation beside the existing maternity unit at Daisy Hill in Newry has been completely revamped into a bright and airy space - with the building contract now completed and handed over.
20 November 2024
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
04 September 2024
BCC Introduces New Neonatal Leave And Pay Policy
Belfast City Council has become the first local authority in Northern Ireland to introduce a neonatal leave and pay policy for its staff.
BCC Introduces New Neonatal Leave And Pay Policy
Belfast City Council has become the first local authority in Northern Ireland to introduce a neonatal leave and pay policy for its staff.
01 February 2023
Maghaberry Prisoners Create Crocheted Hats For Premature Babies
More than 80 crocheted hats are to be donated to local hospitals, nursing homes and homeless charities, made by a group of prisoners in Maghaberry. The sentenced prisoners - nick-named the 'Stitch in Time Gang' - have mastered the delicate art of crocheting to make tiny hats for premature babies, blankets for the elderly and scarves for homeless.
Maghaberry Prisoners Create Crocheted Hats For Premature Babies
More than 80 crocheted hats are to be donated to local hospitals, nursing homes and homeless charities, made by a group of prisoners in Maghaberry. The sentenced prisoners - nick-named the 'Stitch in Time Gang' - have mastered the delicate art of crocheting to make tiny hats for premature babies, blankets for the elderly and scarves for homeless.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
