Sandra McLellan
Question:132. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if self-employed fathers will be entitled to paternity leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4258/16]
View answerTuesday, 2 February 2016
Questions (132)
Written answers
As part of Budget 2016, the Government announced its plan to introduce two weeks paid paternity leave from September 2016. The Department of Social Protection has responsibility for introducing the Paternity Benefit element and the Department of Justice and Equality has responsibility for introducing the legal entitlement for employees to avail of two weeks paternity leave.
Subject to being enacted by the Oireachtas the legislative proposals for the introduction of Paternity Leave and Benefit will provide for Paternity Benefit for self-employed fathers provided they have sufficient social insurance contributions.
It is intended that PRSI contributions from both employment and self-employment will be used to qualify for Paternity Benefit. It is proposed that the following PRSI classes will count towards eligibility for Paternity Benefit A, E, H and S (self-employed).
Eligible fathers who are employed and self-employed will qualify for 2 weeks Paternity Benefit to support their families around the time of the birth of a child.