Paid parental leave from 1 September as Paternity Leave and Benefit Bill is passed

The scheme provides paid parental leave and two weeks paid paternity leave, as well as the existing maternity benefit.

Political journalist Ailbhe Conneely tweeted: “The Dáil has passed the Paternity Leave Bill clearing the way for 2 weeks paid paternity leave for fathers from September 1st”

The cabinet have also approved the tightening of the rules governing “write-offs” to reduce the amount of cars involved in serious crashes being sold on.

The amendment will be put into statute, ending the voluntary arrangements involving insurance companies.

Furthermore, an amendment to the Road Traffic Act will mean that those who ignore a fixed penalty notice will have another chance to avoid appearing in court.

As things stand, if a summons is issued after a fixed penalty notice has been ignored, there is no alternative to court. However, the change will allow for another chance for the fine to be paid.

Amendments are also due to be made to the bill establishing the Cregan inquiry, examining loans written own by IBRC. The Taoiseach is due to brief members of the Opposition on the narrowing down of the terms of reference of the inquiry.

Judge Brian Cregan, chair of the commission, raised some fundamental doubts over whether the original terms were workable and they have been worked with in an attempt to refine them for some time now.