Carer's benefit to Maternity benefit

I'm just wondering does anyone know if it is ok to go straight from carer's benefit to maternity benefit? I've been on carer's leave since Aug 07. I've continued working 12 - 15hrs a week with my employer during this time. I was due to go back fulltime last week but I extended my carer's leave until beginning of Sept when I am due to go on maternity leave. Now, I'm not sure if this is allowed, do I need to return to work full time for an interim period?? My carer's benefit has been reapproved till Sept and I am planning on sending in my maternity benefit application next week.

As you are working while on Carers Benefit your PRSI should be in order and Maternity Benefit is based on PRSI. I can't see any reason why you cannot move from Carers to Mat Ben. You would get the Maternity Ben only during that period