Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2016
350. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if parental leave in the private sector may be taken until a child reaches 13 years of age (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5513/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe basis for the current statutory upper age limit of 8 years of age (16 in the case of a child with a disability) is contained in Council Directive 2010/18/EU giving effect to the revised Parental Leave Framework Agreement negotiated by the European social partners in 2009. The essential point is that the upper age limit was negotiated and agreed by employers and Trade Union representatives at EU level and their agreement was then given force of law by the Directive. There are no plans at present to extend this limit. However, neither are there any obstacles to employers and employees in particular sectors or employments negotiating more favourable arrangements on a voluntary basis. I have no role in relation to such agreements either in the public or private sector.
I should also refer the Deputy to the announcement in the Budget of a new entitlement to two weeks paternity leave from work for fathers together with a related social welfare payment to take effect from September 2016.
