Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1118. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the up-to-date position in relation to parents' benefit; when the next extension is due to come into place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29721/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, five weeks Parent's Leave and Benefit is available to all eligible parents of children born or adopted from 1 November 2019. The leave and benefit must be availed of within the first two years of the child’s life or adoption.
In Budget 2022, the Government provided for the number of weeks of Parent's Leave and Benefit available to eligible parents to be increased from five weeks to seven weeks from July 2022. The additional two weeks leave and benefit will apply to parents of children who are under age two in July 2022 or, in the case of adoption, where less than two years have passed since the child's placement.
I understand that the regulation to implement the the changes to Parent's Leave is currently being finalised by the Department of Children, Equality, Integration, Disability and Youth. My Department is responsible for the associated changes to Parent's Benefit for the extended leave period. Section 8 of the Social Welfare Act 2021 provides for the extension of Parent's Benefit by two weeks. It requires a Commencement Order which will be brought forward shortly.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
