Bill to extend paid parents’ leave and benefit by three weeks clears Oireachtas

Bill to extend paid parents' leave and benefit by three weeks clears Oireachtas

Roderic O'Gorman

Legislation providing for an additional three weeks of paid parents’ leave and benefit has cleared the final stage in the Oireachtas.

Once the Family Leave and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2021 is enacted, working parents will be entitled to an additional three weeks of paid leave for each parent, and the period in which the leave can be taken will be extended to the first two years after birth or adoption.

The extension is designed to allow parents to spend time with their child in the earliest years and is non-transferrable between parents to ensure that both parents are encouraged and supported in taking time out from work to spend time with their child.

The bill also addresses access to adoptive leave and benefit by male same-sex couples, a provision that is of great significance for couples seeking to adopt.

Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman said: “We want to support parents in taking time away from work and having quality time with their children during those precious first two years, so I’m delighted to see this legislation pass through the Oireachtas.

“Covid-19 has had a serious impact across society and working parents, especially those who have had children during the pandemic, often without the support of family and friends. The extension to parent’s leave and benefit is intended to provide them with an additional period of leave to spend with their child.

“An important facet of parent’s leave is to encourage the sharing of childcare and I hope that this additional period of leave will support and encourage fathers in taking a more prominent role in the care of their young child.”

The bill also provides for an increase in the number of ordinary members of the Board of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, from seven members to nine, in order to support the State in meeting its obligations to the safety, protection, wellbeing and resilience of children, families and communities in Ireland.

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