Parliament member calls for increased parental leave benefits for families with special needs in Faroe Islands

The existing parental leave benefits for those caring for children with special needs should be increased, according to Eyðgunn Samuelsen, a member of the Parliament for the Social Democratic Party. She asserts that the current maximum limit is far too low. With the recent raise in maternity pay, it is time to consider the needs of families with special-needs children, as many struggle financially, she emphasized.

One person who understands the financial challenges faced by these families is 22-year-old Andrea Tungá, a mother of two-year-old Sonja Fríða, who has Aicardi Goutieres Syndrome.

The low compensation for those staying home with children who have special needs significantly impacts daily life for parents like Andrea.

Helena F. Jørmundson, chairwoman of the Social Democrats, highlighted that Andrea is not alone. Many parents in the Faroe Islands face similar situations and have to remain home due to the lack of available childcare. She insists that while the compensation must be raised, there also needs to be an increase in available services for these families.