Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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832. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of men and women, respectively that have taken parent’s leave and benefit since it was introduced. [20070/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Parents leave and benefit was introduced in 2019 and is available to parents of new babies born or children adopted from 1st November 2019. This benefit covers two weeks' paid leave from employment/self-employment for each parent within their child's first year, which can be taken as either two consecutive weeks or two separate weeks.  This benefit is in addition to existing maternity, adoptive and paternity benefit entitlements. 

As of 27th July 2020, my Department has awarded 5,833 claims for parents benefit.  Of these, 3,741 were in respect of applications from women, and 2,092 in respect of applications from men. 

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.