John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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63. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the uptake of paternity leave since the date of commencement for fathers to avail of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36063/16]

Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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84. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the uptake regarding paternity leave nationally and specifically in the Sligo- Leitrim constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35716/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 84 together.

The new paternity benefit scheme which was announced in Budget 2016 came into operation on 1 September 2016. The benefit is paid for up to two weeks to employed and self-employed people who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. The rate of payment is €230 per week, the same as maternity benefit, with possible increases for adult and child dependents. The purpose of the benefit is to support new fathers to take time off work within the first 26 weeks following the birth of their child.

I am happy to inform the Deputies that in the period between the introduction of the scheme on 01/09/16 and 15/11/16, a total of 2,846 paternity benefit claims have been awarded. I can confirm to Deputy McLoughlin that forty two applicants (1.48% of the total awarded) who reside in Co. Sligo and twenty five applicants (0.88% of the total awarded) who reside in Co. Leitrim have been awarded paternity benefit during this period.

The Department has developed a new system to support the delivery of paternity benefit and to modernise the delivery of maternity benefit. The new system supports online applications for both paternity and maternity benefits, with some 650 customers having successfully applied online to date. Online application is the preferred method of application and can result in the speedy notification of an auto award of benefit where the customer satisfies all scheme conditionality. Customers should be encouraged to use this option as it provides a convenient and effective method of submitting a claim.