Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
508. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he will bring forward legislation to meet the programme for Government commitment to extend parental leave by three weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5907/21]
View answer510. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the announced extension to parental leave will come into effect as per Budget 2021. [5941/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 508 and 510 together.
The Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 introduced two weeks of paid Parents' 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 Parents' 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. Legislation is currently being developed in this regard and it is anticipated that it will be introduced in early 2021.
Payment of Parents’ Benefit is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection, and I understand that it will take time for the relevant IT system changes to be made. As a result, the estimated timescale for the necessary updates being put in place is April 2021.
