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Legislative Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021

Wednesday, 3 March 2021

Questions (599)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

599. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when legislation for the extension of parent's benefit (details supplied) is expected to be passed in 2021; when it will come into effect in order that parents can apply for same; the details of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11602/21]

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Written answers

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.

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