A bill proposing time off for women who suffer pregnancy loss will is being debated in the Seanad on Thursday.
The Reproductive Health Leave legislation from the Labour Party would allow women to access up to 20 days paid leave in the case of early miscarriage - and up to 10 days leave when accessing reproductive health treatments, such as IVF.
Maternity leave is currently offered to women who miscarry after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Labour Senator Marie Sherlock says she is confident that the bill can be progressed through the Seanad and Dáil this year.
"It can be a difficult, enormously difficult experience both physically and emotionally.
"For far too long we know women in particular have had to bury these issues in the workplace.
"We would be hopeful, based on the cross-party support we have received to date, that we can progress this through the Seanad and the Dáil this year."
And she says the broader issue is publicly funded fertility treatments.
"Of course it's a health issue, but it's also a workplace issue - particularly with regards to those who require a flexibility.
"I think there's a broader issue here, about for the last six years, we have had a commitment from Government parties with regards to publicly funded support for IVF in this country.
"Ireland is one of the few EU member states that does not publicly support fertility treatment, and that has to change".
