Paternity leave bill on track for September implementation

The proposed legislation will introduce two weeks’ statutory paternity leave in Ireland at a rate of €230 per week.

The measures were first announced in last year’s Budget.

A spokesperson for Tánaiste Joan Burton, who sought Cabinet approval for the fast-tracking of the legislation, said he did not foresee any delays to the legislation’s planned implementation.

Seán Ó hUallacháin SC, chairperson of the Family Lawyers Association, told Irish Legal News: “The planned introduction of paternity leave is a welcome development although the two week period should be increased.”