Richard Bruton
Question:697. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the latest figures for the take-up of paternity leave; and the average cost per claim. [42329/21]
View answerThursday, 9 September 2021
Questions (697)
Written answers
Paternity Benefit is payable at €245 a week, for a maximum of two weeks.
Paternity Benefit is a payment to employed and self-employed people who:
- are on paternity leave from work
- meet the relevant social insurance conditions (PRSI)
It is available for any child born or adopted after 1st September 2016
If a person is already on certain social welfare payments, they may get half-rate Paternity Benefit. They will be paid for up to two weeks. A person can start paternity leave at any time within the first 26 weeks after the birth or adoption.
Paternity Benefit is available to same-sex couples.
The number of Paternity Benefit claims received in 2021 up to 27th Aug 2021 is 18,526.
The number of Paternity Benefit claims received in 2020 was 24,884.
The number of Paternity Benefit claims received in 2019 was 28,153.
The average payment per Paternity Benefit customer in 2021 (1st Jan to 27th Aug 2021) is €264.62.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy