Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
615. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 139 of 4 February 2021, the status of the legislation giving each parent an additional three weeks of paid parental leave; the commencement date he is working towards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9972/21]
View answer619. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the legislation regarding the previously announced additional parental leave will be introduced; and the date from which the scheme will begin. [10013/21]
View answer620. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding the extended paid parental leave commitment in Budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10033/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 615, 619 and 620 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.
The drafting of the legislation needed to make this change is well advanced and it will be introduced at the earliest opportunity. The aim is that this legislation will be enacted by the beginning of April 2021.
Payment of Parents’ Benefit is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.
