Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
553. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if definitive information will be provided to employers in relation to parental leave which can be taken in advance of April 2021 and the benefit claimed retrospectively; the steps he will take swiftly on behalf of parents whose employers state that they have no information in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3826/21]
View answerThe Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 introduced two weeks of paid parent’s leave for each parent to be taken in the first year after the birth or adoptive placement of a child. Under proposals approved by Government in December 2020, each parent will be given an additional three weeks of paid parent's leave, and the period in which it can be taken will be extended to the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child.The extension to parent's leave and benefit follows a number of advancements in family leaves in recent years, including the extension of unpaid parental leave to 26 weeks for a child under 12 years.It is anticipated that the legislation will be introduced in early 2021.I am conscious of the need for clear communication on family leave entitlements to both employers and employees, and it is my intention to meet with employers’ organisations in the coming weeks to discuss the proposed amendments to family leaves.
