Last Updated on December 11, 2020
The Cabinet has announced that parent’s leave will be extended from the current 2 weeks leave to 5 weeks in the new year. This leave is an equal opportunity for both parents to take time off work and take care of their young child.
Parent’s Benefit will also be extended for this period of time. It is to be expected that the 3 weeks additional pay for Parent’s Benefit will not be enabled until April 2021 which means parents who choose to take the additional leave prior to that might not receive the benefit until April.
From 2021 onwards, the leave will be allowed to be taken up to the 2nd birthday of the child. Parents whose child was born after November 2019 will be able to take the additional 3 weeks of leave in the new year.
Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman has been an advocate for providing more opportunities for both parents to take care of their young children.
“We’re committed to ensuring every child gets the best possible start in life, and supporting parents to spend more time with their kids is a big part of that. I hope this five weeks paid parent’s leave will help mothers and fathers take that time in those precious first couple of years with their child.”
O’Gorman, T.D.