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

As it happens, my officials are preparing a report on this matter, which I would be happy to share with the Deputy as soon as possible. I will point out that in line with the provisions of the EU work-life balance directive, parent's leave is not transferable between parents. That comes under the EU directive, which recognises the importance of equality between men and women with regard to labour market opportunities and the equal importance of men and fathers in bringing up their children. It should encourage an increase in 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 parent's leave are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Of course, this leave must be taken in the child's first two years. As I said, there is a report on the matter, which I will be very happy to share with the Deputy as soon as I get it.

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