Maternity Benefit for Non Resident

Don't really know where to put this : a work colleague of mine was asking me about Maternity Benefit. He is Polish and his wife lives in Poland and is expecting their baby shortly. She can't some over here for health reasons but expects to join him soon after the baby is born.
He was trying to explain to me about maternity benefit - that she (or he) through his stamps is entitles to some sort of payment- or she can use her stamps from Poland or something. Is this right? I would love to be able to give him some more info on it- I really feel for him being away from his wife and its their first (and probably only) child.
Is is true she can claim benefit or any payment or has there been something lost in translation?
Thanks.

According to the Dept of Social and Family Affairs website, only women employed or self-employed here can qualify for Maternity Benefit.

However, there is mention of Maternity benefit payable from Ireland to EU citizens -but there isn't any detail given. Best to contact the Dept by phone or email.

More info on Maternity Benefit here

Child Benefit is payable in respect of a child living in the EU whose parent is working here.

AHA!! That's what he must have been referring to; the child benefit. How does that work then??

◊ Child Benefit
◊ Early Childcare Supplement

thanks Clubman!!