Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
105. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the uptake of the paternity benefit scheme; the steps she is taking to encourage the uptake of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26072/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaternity Benefit is a payment for employed and self-employed people who are on paternity leave from work who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. It is paid for two weeks and is available in respect of any child born or adopted on or after 1 September 2016. Paternity Benefit is paid at €245 per week - the same rate as Maternity Benefit, Adoptive Benefit and Parent’s Benefit.
A budget of €14.47 million is provided for Paternity Benefit in 2021. To date this year, the Department has awarded Paternity Benefit to some 8,732 parents with a spend of approximately €4.4 million. In 2020, the total cost of Paternity Benefit was approx. €12.36 million, which was paid in respect of 24,726 claims.
Paternity Benefit is one of a number of supports available to new parents. Parent's Benefit is also available in respect of a child born or adopted since 1 November 2019. Following the commencement of the Family Leave and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2021, Parent's Benefit is available for 5 weeks for each parent and it can be availed of within 2 years of the child's birth or adoption.
In addition, adoptive parents now have greater flexibility to decide which parent will avail of Adoptive Leave and Benefit, with Paternity Leave and Paternity Benefit being available to the parent who is not availing of Adoptive Leave. This increased flexibility will provide parents with more choice and is intended to facilitate an increased take-up of the payment.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
