John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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110. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the take-up of parent’s leave and parent’s benefit since the extension was announced on 1 April 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26251/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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On 1 April 2021, Parent’s Leave was extended from two weeks to five weeks as per a commitment in the Programme for Government.  Since the changes came into effect, the Department of Social Protection has awarded Parent’s Benefit to some 6,633 parents at a cost of over €2.6 million.

In comparison, just 702 parents availed of Parent’s Benefit in April 2020, when the support was paid for two weeks.  There was a 112% increase in claims received and awarded in April 2021 compared to March 2021, which is also reflected in the total spend for the scheme in the respective months. 

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.