James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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1166. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the date that the parental leave period will increase by two weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29025/22]

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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1198. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the date in July 2022 on which the extension of parents' leave from five to seven weeks announced in Budget 2022 will come into effect. [30301/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1166 and 1198 together.

As you are aware, provision has been made in Budget 2022 to increase the number of weeks of Parent’s Leave and Benefit available to eligible parents from five weeks to seven weeks from July 2022. This will be introduced by way of Regulation as provided for under the Parent's Leave and Benefit Act 2019 (as amended). It has been decided that the additional two weeks' leave and benefit will apply to parents of children who are under the age of two in July 2022 (or adoptive children who have been with their parents for less than two years at that point).

Practical arrangements for the payment of Parent’s Benefit are being finalised with the Department of Social Protection and, once finalised, a date for the commencement of the extension will be announced.