Partners of women who suffer from a miscarriage could also be entitled to paid leave in future, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke has said.On Tuesday, Burke secured approval from Cabinet colleagues to bring forward a new law to give up to five days of paid leave to women who suffer miscarriages before 23 weeks. The new paid sick leave will also be available to women who terminate a pregnancy. Burke confirmed that consideration had also been given to awarding paid leave to the partners of those who suffer a pregnancy loss. “There was, absolutely, and it is something that can be considered at a future time because it is a family ... As I said in my open contribution, while women bear the brunt of the challenge, there is a huge loss in family, a huge traumatic time for our families. So at a future time, absolutely, we can consider further enhancements to the scheme,” Burke said. Women who have used their five days of miscarriage leave can then progress on to using their paid sick leave. Asked about women who may not want to share with an employer that they are trying to have a baby, Burke said that this will be “one support”.“And I know there are so many areas that we have to improve upon. But I think this is a small step in the right direction. Hopefully, it will accelerate those discussions, and that we all can be a more compassionate workforce.”Fine Gael Senator Linda Nelson Murray, who is a member of the Cross-Party Oireachtas Group on Pregnancy and Infant Loss, has experienced five pregnancy losses. Nelson Murray said she felt the measure was a “wonderful start” but added that other measures to support women through pregnancy loss and fertility treatment may also be needed. “In the past, women would have had to use their sick leave, which was not appropriate,” she said. “I know during my journey of miscarriages, it was very difficult to talk about. And I think we’re in a lot more of an open space now.”