Mothers who give birth prematurely are to be given extended maternity leave.
Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty will bring the measure to Cabinet this morning.
It's set to benefit 4,500 mothers a year.
It means the State will pay the benefit between an infant being born and when the woman was due to begin maternity leave.
In addition to the current 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, a mother will now be entitled to an additional period of leave and benefit.
Our Political Editor Chris Donoghue has the details:
