Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A report was already prepared on this matter at the request of Deputy Kerrane. That was laid before the committee on 27 June 2023. I am happy to provide the report again to the Deputy. In line with the provisions of the EU work-life balance directive, nine weeks of parental leave is not transferable between parents. The EU directive clearly states that. We want to encourage an increase in the number of men taking leave and equal participation in care work, thus achieving gender equality and investing in the development of children. A provision to allow one parent to take the dual entitlement to leave would place an increased burden on that individual's employer. As the Deputy is aware, an employee's eligibility for parent's benefit follows his or her eligibility for the associated leave, assuming the contribution and other qualifying conditions are met. The arrangements regarding parental leave are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. He sets the policy on that and I make the payments.

I am reluctant to put reports in legislation. I did not have any in last year's legislation, but every report I was asked for I provided. I give the Deputy my word I will do that again this year. I am not keen to accept the amendment for that reason. I have a report and am happy to provide the one that was published on 27 June this year.