I propose to take Questions Nos. 1035 and 1036 together.
Budget 2019 announced the introduction of a new social insurance based paid parental benefit scheme for employees and the self-employed which will provide two weeks paid leave to both parents. The new payment will support parents during the first year of a child's life and allows for more flexibility in managing a work life balance. The parental benefit scheme will commence in late 2019 and the specific details of the scheme are being examined as part of the legislative drafting process that will be undertaken by my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality, which has overall responsibility for parental leave policy.
The two weeks parental benefit available to both parents will not be shared and cannot be transferred between parents. This recognises that the provision of paid parental leave will be more effective and appropriate in terms of encouraging both fathers and mothers to take time off work to take care of their children.
I trust this clarifies the matter at this time.