Great news for mothers and fathers.
In great news for new parents, paid maternity and paternity leave is soon going to be extended by two weeks.
New legislation will provide for extra paid parental leave for each parent of a child who is born, or adopted, from 1 November 2019, reports The Journal.
The Bill was published by Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan, Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty, and Minister of State with responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration David Stanton.
Speaking about the new legislation, Flanagan said: “Having a new baby is a magical time, but it can also be very challenging. We want to support parents and help give them more opportunities to spend time with their children.”
Doherty said the legislation will provide for paid parental leave for each parent of a child under one, who is an employee or self-employed.
“This payment is in addition to existing maternity, paternity and adoptive leave entitlements. It will provide working parents with a further opportunity to spend more time with their new baby during its first year which is of particular importance,” she stated.
Stanton added that the government intends to increase the paid leave available to new parents over time.
The Parent’s Leave and Benefit Bill is due to be brought before the Seanad in the coming weeks, with passage through both Houses of the Oireachtas expected before 1 November.
