In relation to parental leave matters, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I only have responsibility for the civil service. Other Ministers have responsibility for parental leave matters in the different sectors of the wider public service.
With effect from 1 September, 2010, the upper age limit of the child increased in the civil service from 8 to 13 years on an administrative basis for civil servants.
In the case of a child with a disability or long term illness, the age limit of sixteen years is applicable.
The age limit under the Parental Leave Acts was amended with effect from 1 September 2019 from 8 to 12 years.
I have no current plans to increase the age limit for civil servants as we are already beyond the new limits set in the Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2019.