John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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699. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the date of commencement for fathers to avail of Paternity Leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24818/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 provides for 2 weeks paid paternity leave for children born or in the case of adoption from the date of placement on or after 1 September 2016.

Eligible parents can avail of paid Paternity Leave at any time within the first 26 weeks following the birth or date of placement of the child.

Paternity Benefit is available for employed and self-employed people who are on from work and covered by . Applicants must fill out an application form, which is available from my Department’s website.

To claim Paternity Benefit, an applicant must complete an employer certificate (where employers certify that an individual is entitled to the leave) and also a medical certificate from their spouse or partner's doctor confirming when the baby is due.

This mirrors the same application process which applies for Maternity Benefit. In the case of adoption, a certificate of placement must be produced in relation to the child.

Applications for Paternity Benefit can be made online at www.mywelfare.ie. A person must have a (PSC) to apply for Paternity Benefit online. If they do not already have a PSC, they can make an appointment to get one at www.mywelfare.ie. Once they receive their PSC they can then upload their supporting documentation via their account and submit it online with the application. Paper applications are also being accepted and can be downloaded at .

Employees should provide notification to their employer at least 4 weeks before taking paternity leave. Self-employed persons should apply for Paternity Benefit 12 weeks in advance.