Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 September 2019
285. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the parental leave and benefit Bill; the date on which persons may avail of an additional two weeks paid parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37311/19]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, on 23 April 2019, the Government announced that it had approved the priority drafting of the Parent's Leave and Benefit Bill 2019. My officials are working with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel in the Attorney General's Office to draft the Bill.
It is envisaged that legislation will provide for two weeks of parental leave and benefit for all new parents in employment or self-employment in respect of babies born on or after 1 November 2019. This will facilitate parents in spending more time with their babies in their critical first year of life.
Moreover, the Government is committed to increasing both leave and benefit to seven weeks for each parent by 2021.
