Written answers

Thursday, 22 June 2017

Department of Social Protection

Paternity Leave

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

206. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of fathers that have taken paternity leave since the introduction of the scheme by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29286/17]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Paternity benefit was introduced in September 2016 to support new fathers to take time off work within the first 26 weeks following the birth of their child. The benefit covers two 2 weeks leave and is available to employed and self-employed fathers who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions.It is payable at a rate of €235 per week with possible increases for adult and child dependents.

Application for paternity benefit is available online and customers should be encouraged to use this option as it facilitates the speedy automated determination of entitlement.

Details on the number of people who have received paternity benefit since its introduction in September 2016 to the end of May 2017, by county, are set out in the table below:

Paternity Benefit Claims by County

CountyTotal Awarded Sept 2016 to May 2017
Carlow161
Cavan254
Clare323
Cork1841
Donegal430
Dublin4007
Galway860
Kerry405
Kildare735
Kilkenny325
Laois239
Leitrim104
Limerick546
Longford113
Louth384
Mayo387
Meath628
Monaghan184
Offaly239
Roscommon186
Sligo206
Tipperary450
Waterford348
Westmeath277
Wexford427
Wicklow446
Others62
TOTAL AWARDS14,567

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.