Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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188. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of extending parental leave by three weeks; and if primary legislation is required to introduce the extension. [17664/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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In recognition of the particular challenges that mothers and parents have faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government is considering a proposal to extend Parent’s Leave from two to five weeks for each parent, to enable every eligible parent of young children to spend additional time with their child. All aspects of the proposal will be examined, including whether primary legislation is required. The Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 includes a provision to extend the period of Parent’s Leave by up to nine weeks, and this will form part of the consideration.

At present, Parent’s Leave entitles each parent to two 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 will get an extra three weeks of Parent’s Leave. This includes children born before or during the pandemic. The period in which Parent’s Leave can be taken would 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.