Government is extending paid maternity and paternity leave by two weeks

Two additional weeks of paid leave will be available for each parent of a child who is born, or adopted, from 1 November 2019.

The Irish government estimates that nearly 60,000 people per year will be able to avail of the new legislation that is being brought in.

The Bill was published this past weekend by Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty and Minister of State with responsibility for Equality, David Stanton.

Flanagan said on the new legislation: “Having a new baby is a magical time, but it can also be very challenging. We want to support parents and help give them more opportunities to spend time with their children.”

Speaking on the law passed on parental leave, Regina Doherty said:

“This payment is in addition to existing maternity, paternity and adoptive leave entitlements. 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,” she stated.

Minister of State with responsibility for Equality, David Stanton mentioned that the government intends to increase the paid leave available to new parents over time.