Over 1000 Galway women received maternity benefit last year

Galway Bay fm newsroom - Over 1000 Galway mothers received maternity benefit last year.

The rate of maternity benefit paid by the Department of Social Protection is 235 euro a week - and is payable for up to 26 weeks following the birth of a baby.

According to the Irish Times, Minister Leo Varadkar says the government has no plans for legislation to force employers to pay women full pay or top up their benefits when they take maternity leave.

However, the minister said the government would encourage employers to provide the best possible maternity packages for their staff.