Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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241. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will make the payments retrospective to anyone who would qualify on or after 1 September 2016 in relation to the Paternity Leave and Benefit Bill 2016, given that this scheme was promised to be effected from 1 September 2016 and it now appears that it will not come into effect until 30 September 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18054/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As part of Budget 2016, the Government announced its plan to introduce two weeks paid paternity leave in September 2016.

The legislative proposals for the introduction of paternity leave and paternity benefit are currently being debated in the Houses of the Oireachtas. When enacted, this legislation will allow new fathers, including fathers of adopted children, to start the combined package of paternity leave and paternity benefit at any time within the first six months following the birth of the child or, in the case of adoptions the day of placement. The Bill also provides for same sex couples on an equal basis with other couples. In relation to the operation of the Scheme, my Department will provide a minimum of paid paternity benefit of €230 per week for the two weeks of paternity leave.

Every scheme must have a start date and a Government decision was made that the paternity leave and paternity benefit scheme would come into effect on 30^thSeptember 2016. As a result, paternity benefit will only be payable for a child born or placed on or after the 30^thSeptember 2016.

It is very difficult to estimate the numbers that will take up paternity leave and paternity benefit. My Department estimates that it could be 30,000 to 40,000 fathers who will receive paternity benefit in a full year, at a cost of €20 million. This year, 2016, the payment is expected to cost the exchequer €5 million, which equates to one quarter of the expected full year cost.