Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018
395. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the work of the interdepartmental group established to consider increasing the level of parental leave paid during the first year of a child's life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44914/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, as part of Budget 2019, the Government announced the introduction of a new paid parental leave scheme which will commence in late 2019. This new scheme will, once approved by Government, initially, provide for 2 weeks of paid, non-transferable leave per parent, with a view to expanding the scheme in future years.
This new scheme delivers on the commitment in the Programme for Partnership Government to increase paid parental leave during the first year of a child’s life, as research shows that parental care is of particular importance and benefit in the first twelve months.
The new scheme is the key recommendation of the report of an interdepartmental committee which was established to develop recommendations as to how the Programme for Partnership Government commitments could be best implemented.
