Parent’s leave in Ireland extended by three weeks; They are now entitled to take five weeks of paid leave

DUBLIN: The government has decided to allow three weeks’ extra paid leave for ‘new’ parents in Ireland. This benefit is available to parents of children born after November 1, 2019. This replaces the two weeks that were previously available. In cases of adoption, the parents are entitled to five weeks of parental leave.

Five weeks of leave can be taken at any time during the first two years after the birth or adoption of the child. Earlier this period was one year as per Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019.

The government has said it will introduce new legislation in the new year to extend parental leave. Cabinet has approved provisions to amend the Adoptive Leave Act 1995 in addition to the extension of the Parent’s Leave, which will allow male same-sex couples to take leave as adoptive parents.

The law is expected to take effect by April 2021 due to the required technical changes in the IT system. According to the new decision, parents will be able to spend more precious first two years with their child, said Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman.