Parents in Ireland can take up to seven weeks paid Parents Leave and Benefit, as part of new measures introduced.
Green Party Minister Roderic O’Gorman’s measures will see the number of weeks that parents can take time off work, with financial support from the State, increase from five weeks to seven weeks.
This financial support is available to anyone with a child under two years of age or who has adopted a child within the last two years.
It has also been confirmed that the Government have committed to a further expansion of Parents Leave and Benefit to nine weeks in line with the Work Life Balance Directive.
Green Party Minister Pippa Hackett, who hails from Geashill, welcomed the development.
She said: “Since the formation of this Government, paid parental leave has increased from two weeks to seven weeks.
“This announcement also comes just a few days after Cabinet approved a scheme which will allow for the provision of maternity leave to Councillors across the country.
“This shows clearly the dedication of this government to supporting early years in Ireland.”
Minister O’Gorman also commented on the announcement.
He said: “Welcoming a child into the world is one of the most important moments in a parent’s life.
“We want to ensure that new parents are supported to spend quality time with their babies in those first weeks and months, and be there to share special bonding moments.
“I am delighted that we have been able to support these parents to spend more time with their families, and I hope the increase we have announced today encourages even more parents to take up the offer of paid parent’s leave.”
SEE ALSO – In Pictures: A selection of great photos from the Folly festival in Cullohill
