Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

560. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will double the extension of paid parental leave to one parent families in order that they have the same level of support as two parent families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17010/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 came into effect from 1 November 2019 and allows for two weeks paid leave for each parent within 52 weeks of the birth or placement of their child from that date. This is in addition to leave for parents already in place.

The Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 provides that parent’s leave can be taken by a relevant parent. A relevant parent is defined in the 2019 Act as:

- A parent of the child

- A spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the parent of the child

- A parent of a donor-conceived child as provided for under section 5 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015

- The adopting parent or parents of a child

- The spouse, civil partner or spouse of the adopting parent of the child (if the parents have not adopted jointly).

- Each member of a married couple of the same sex, a couple that are civil partners of each other, or a cohabiting couple of the same sex.

Parent’s Leave is not transferrable between parents, recognising the importance of equality between men and women with regard to labour market opportunities, treatment at work and their role in bringing up their children.

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

561. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that parents whose baby was born before the extension of parental leave at the end of 2019 are not eligible for the extension of parental leave announced recently. [17236/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In recognition of the particular challenges that mothers and parents have faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government is considering a proposal to advance the extension of Parent’s Leave and Benefit to five weeks for all parents of children born after 1 November 2019, to enable every eligible parent of young children to spend additional time with their child.

At present, Parent’s Leave entitles each parent to 2 weeks’ leave during the first year of a child’s life, or in the case of adoption, within one year of the placement of the child with the family.

The Government proposal would mean that eligible parents of children born during the pandemic crisis will get an extra three weeks of Parent’s Leave to offset the impact of having a child during the strict lockdown measures. The period in which Parent’s Leave can be taken will also be extended from one year to two years. This, and related costs, will be considered as part of the Budget 2021 process. The support is paid at a rate of €245 per week.

Parental leave is also available which entitles parents to take unpaid leave from work to spend time looking after their children. Parents can take up to 22 weeks of parental leave for each eligible child before their 12th birthday.