Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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494. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will address a matter regarding a delay in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49000/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Paternity benefit claims are processed promptly and are ready for payment in advance of the person taking the leave, where the required advance notice is provided. Claimants are advised, via the Department’s website , that they should apply for the payment 4 weeks before they intend to go on paternity leave and that this should be increased to 12 weeks if they are self-employed. This is to allow adequate time to process the claim.

A claim for paternity benefit was received from the person concerned on 1^stNovember 2019, in relation to a leave period which he had already taken. As he is self-employed the enquiries are underway to confirm eligibility, as advised on the Department's website.

This claim will be processed as soon as possible and a decision will issue direct to the person concerned.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.