Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1087. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the legislation for parental benefit will be passed; the earliest date on which it can be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14988/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 introduced two weeks of paid Parents' Leave for each parent to be taken in the first year after the birth or adoptive placement of a child.

In December 2020, the Government approved the drafting of a Parents' Leave Bill to provide an additional three weeks of paid Parents' Leave to each parent, and to extend the period in which the leave can be taken to the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child.

The Government published the Family Leave Bill 2021 on 9 March 2021 which provides for these amendments and the Bill completed all stages in the Seanad on 22 March 2021. The Bill is being considered by the Dáil at second stage today. The aim is that this legislation will be enacted by the beginning of April 2021 and that parents will be able to apply for Parents' Leave immediately thereafter.