Denis Naughten
Question:233. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the extension of parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2559/19]
View answerTuesday, 22 January 2019
Questions (233)
Written answers
It is important to note that the Government has always been, and continues to be, supportive of the principle of Parental Leave. As the Deputy will be aware, as part of Budget 2019, the Government announced the introduction of a new paid parental leave scheme which will commence later this year. This new scheme will, initially, provide for 2 weeks of paid, non-transferable leave per parent, with a view to expanding the scheme in future years.
This new scheme delivers on the commitment in the Programme for Partnership Government to increase paid parental leave during the first year of a child’s life, as research shows that parental care is of particular importance and benefit in the first 12 months. The new scheme is the key recommendation of the report of an interdepartmental committee which was established to develop recommendations as to how the Programme for Partnership Government commitments could be best implemented.