Dáil debates

Thursday, 21 January 2021

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

 

12:45 pm

Photo of Claire KerraneClaire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to ask the Tánaiste about the three weeks parents' leave and benefit that was announced in the budget more than three months ago. As the Tánaiste will be aware, many parents are waiting for this. The only option available to them up to now has been to take unpaid parental leave, which many simply cannot afford to take. Many parents, especially those who have had new babies, have not been able to return to work after the paternity leave has ended. They have been left with no option. They cannot access childcare and the only option is unpaid leave.

The legislation is listed as a priority. When will that legislation we brought to the House? How quickly will parents be able to avail of this three weeks parents' leave? I welcome that parents who cannot access childcare where schools or childcare settings are closed can access the pandemic unemployment payment, PUP. Will the Government publicise that for parents who are not aware they can access the PUP?

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.