Roderic O'Gorman

New legislation to be introduced next year will expand the current entitlement for two weeks of paid parent’s leave under the Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019.

The bill will also increase the period in which the leave can be taken to the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child, rather than just the first year after.

Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman said: “We’re committed to ensuring every child gets the best possible start in life, and supporting parents to spend more time with their kids is a big part of that.

“I hope this five weeks paid parent’s leave will help mothers and fathers take that time in those precious first couple of years with their child.”

Ministers have also agreed to amend the Adoptive Leave Act 1995 to enable married male-same sex adopting couples to avail of adoptive leave, as well as allowing all adopting couples to choose who should take the leave.

Mr O’Gorman said: “I am happy to be in a position to advance these important amendments to the Adoptive Leave Act 1995. Addressing the access to adoptive leave and benefit by married male same-sex couples is an important commitment in the Programme for Government which is of great importance for couples seeking to adopt.

“Allowing couples to choose who avails of adoptive leave is also important for all couples, as it allows us to move past the gender norms which place the burden of childcare disproportionately on women.”