Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
560. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will double the extension of paid parental leave to one parent families in order that they have the same level of support as two parent families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17010/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 came into effect from 1 November 2019 and allows for two weeks paid leave for each parent within 52 weeks of the birth or placement of their child from that date. This is in addition to leave for parents already in place.
The Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 provides that parent’s leave can be taken by a relevant parent. A relevant parent is defined in the 2019 Act as:
- A parent of the child
- A spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the parent of the child
- A parent of a donor-conceived child as provided for under section 5 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015
- The adopting parent or parents of a child
- The spouse, civil partner or spouse of the adopting parent of the child (if the parents have not adopted jointly).
- Each member of a married couple of the same sex, a couple that are civil partners of each other, or a cohabiting couple of the same sex.
Parent’s Leave is not transferrable between parents, recognising the importance of equality between men and women with regard to labour market opportunities, treatment at work and their role in bringing up their children.
