6 Month Temporary Contract - Am I entitled to Maternity Benefit from the State

[LLoftus]

Hi. Hope somebody can help. I am expecting a baby and starting a temporary contract on 1st December for 6 months in Public Service. I am due my baby in June, so my contract will have just ended prior to my baby being born, unless it arrives early. I have being paying PRSI for almost ten years.
Am I entitled to claim maternity benefit from the State?
Also, am I obliged to inform my employer that I am expecting?

 

[Welfarite]

Once you're in employment within 16 weeks of the date the baby is due, you're covered. Provided, of course you fulfil the other conditions