Working parents will soon be able to look forward to spending an extra two weeks’ leave with their newborn, or newly adopted children. The provisions were laid out in a bill published last Friday.

The bill will provide for two weeks’ paid parent’s leave for each parent of a child who is born, or adopted, from 1 November 2019.

Minister Charlie Flanagan (Justice and Equality) commented that up to 60,000 people could benefit from the scheme in a full year, saying:

“In both 2017 and 2018, almost 25,000 new fathers availed of the newly established two-week paid paternity leave scheme, and I would hope all new parents would avail of this new scheme once it is established. The first year of a child’s life is one of the most important in terms of the child building a relationship and a bond with both parents.”

Further increase

Minister of State David Stanton (with responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration) added that, while the legislation provided for two weeks of paid parental leave, it was intended to increase this leave over time.

The legislation currently underway to introduce the payment provides for paid parental leave for each parent of a child under one, who is an employee or self-employed. 

Minister Regina Doherty (Employment Affairs and Social Protection) commented that the payment would be in addition to existing maternity, paternity and adoptive leave entitlements.

The bill will be brought before the Seanad in the coming weeks, with passage through both Houses expected before 1 November 2019.