Yes its correct according to this that I have to be working immediately before taking maternity benefit, which is why I must start my maternity benefit as soon as I am made redundant.
Leave certification
All employees must have their leave certified by their employer. However, if your contract of employment ends within 16 weeks of your expected date of confinement and you satisfy the PRSI contribution conditions, benefit will be payable from the day after the date on your P45.
after my benefit ends, I sappose I should techinicaly be available for work, but if I apply to a few places, get knocked back then I should be awarded unemployment benefit. I sappose all I can do is wait and see.