NEW PARENTS in Ireland are set to benefit from updated legislation granting an additional two weeks’ worth of paid maternity or paternity leave.
The change is set to provide for additional parental leave for each parent of any child born or adopted after November 1, 2019.
It is estimated that as many as 60,000 people could benefit from the shift over the course of a full year.
The bill, titled the Parent’s Leave and Benefit Bill will be brought before the Seanad in the next few weeks.
It is expected to pass through both Houses of the Oireachtas before November 1.
The bill was presented by Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan and Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty, along with Minister of State with responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration David Stanton.
“Having a new baby is a magical time, but it can also be very challenging,” Flanagan said.
“We want to support parents and help give them more opportunities to spend time with their children.”
Dad with new born babyDoherty noted the legislation is set to provide paid parental leave for each parent of a child under one, either employee or self-employed.
“This payment is in addition to existing maternity, paternity and adoptive leave entitlements,’ Doherty said.
“It will provide working parents with a further opportunity to spend more time with their new baby during its first year which is of particular importance.”
Stanton also noted that the government intends to increase the paid leave available to new parents over the coming months and years.
