Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018
99. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the date in 2019 from which parental leave will be paid under the budget forecasts; the number of persons expected to apply in 2019 and 2020; the full-year cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46883/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2019, I was pleased to announce that 2 weeks of paid parental benefit will be provided to both parents from late 2019 for the first year of a child’s life. This is in line with the Programme for Government commitment to prioritise additional paid parental leave in the first year.
The projected cost of 2 weeks' paid leave for both parents is €32m in a full year. The following is the estimate of the costs and volume of recipients for 2019, 2020 and on a full year basis.
|
2019 |
2020 |
Full Year |
|
|
Parental Benefit scheme estimates |
€1.5m |
€22m |
€32m |
|
Estimated number of recipients |
2,700 |
41,000 |
60,000 |
It should be noted that there will be associated public service pay costs involved covering substitution costs for front line staff primarily in the Health and Education sectors.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
