Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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121. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of parents that have taken parent’s leave and benefit since the scheme was extended from two to five weeks; and the uptake of parent’s benefit and leave since January 2021 to date. [45474/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The number of parents who have applied for parents benefit since it was extended from two to five weeks in April 2021 to date (15th Sept) is 28,073.

The total number that have applied since January 2021 to date (15th Sept) is 35,928.

It should be noted that while a claim may be awarded in one month, the leave and benefit could be availed of at a different time, or over a period of months, as it is available to use one week at a time.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.