Economy Minister Diane Dodds has published her Department’s assessment and response to the two-month consultation, which closed in August.

The consultation followed the introduction of similar legislation in Great Britain, providing that all bereaved parents have the right to at least two weeks’ paid leave from work.

Ms Dodds said: “I want to thank all of the organisations and individuals that have responded to this consultation. I especially wish to acknowledge those courageous individuals who shared their own stories and experience of personal loss; I am really grateful for their contribution.”

She added: “I will now work with my Executive colleagues to bring forward legislation in the Assembly that will put in place provision for Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay legislation in Northern Ireland so that working parents can access this support if they need it.”