Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
531. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will be encouraging employers to top up parent’s benefit in cases in which they are in a position to do so to assist in making it an option for parents which will result in more parents being able to take the time with their baby; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23760/21]
View answerAs provided for in Budget 2021, Parent’s Leave and Benefit have been extended from 2 weeks to 5 weeks for each parent. These additional weeks are available to parents in respect of children born or adopted on or after 1st November 2019. The period during which this leave can be taken has also been extended from 12 to 24 months so it can be taken up to a child's second birthday or within two years following adoption. These changes enhance the flexibility of these schemes to make it easier for parents to avail of them.
There are a number of factors that determine the take up of any scheme including, parental choice, whether the parent has sufficient PRSI contributions, whether they are self-employed and can take the time off from their business and if an employee, whether or not their employer would top up their wages.
Parent's Benefit is paid at a rate of €245 per week. A number of employers do top up their employee’s Parent’s Benefit in much the same way as they offer to top up Maternity and Paternity benefit. These arrangements are discretionary private contractual arrangements agreed between employers and workers and, as such, are outside the realm of Social Welfare legislation.
