Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 October 2021
436. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if the terms on which paternity benefit and parental benefit are paid are scheduled to change during 2022; and if so, the terms on which they will be available. [47539/21]
View answerPaternity benefit provides a payment at the rate of €245 per week in respect of two weeks paternity leave, to be taken within 6 months of the birth of the baby.
Parents benefit provides a payment of €245 per week in respect of up to 5 weeks parents leave, to be taken within 2 years of the birth of the baby. This leave and benefit can be taken in one block, or in periods of one week over the two year period,
Both of these benefits are subject to PRSI conditionality and both require the associated leave to be authorised by the employer in advance, except where the person concerned is self-employed.
Any change or amendment can only be considered in a budgetary context.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
