Govt Publish New Paternity Bill

The government have marked Father's Day with the publication of the Paternity Bill, which will provide fathers with two weeks of paternity leave and two weeks of paternity benefit.

The Bill was announced on Sunday, 19 June by the Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar and Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald.

When enacted, the legislation will allow new fathers to start the combined package of paternity leave and paternity benefit at any time within the first six months following birth. It will also apply to the fathers of newly adopted children.

Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar said: "It's great to be able to do something for dads by providing paternity benefit to all PRSI contributors for the first time. Parenting is changing and fathers are more and more involved in raising their children.

"Ireland is behind the curve compared to our European colleagues but this combined package of Paternity Leave and Paternity Benefit will help to address that. The Department of Social Protection will provide paid paternity benefit of €230 per week for the two weeks of Paternity Leave. Employers will also have the option of providing a further top-up to the dad's regular salary if they so choose.

"There is plenty of evidence showing the vital role that fathers as well as mothers play in the life of newborn babies and young children. The more time that fathers can spend with their babies - the better. I hope that the Government will be in a position to extend this provision further in the years ahead. I'm also very happy that the 256,000 self-employed men in Ireland will able to take paid Paternity Benefit for the very first time.

"Because they are self-employed, they can already take leave but most don't due to loss of income or business. This measure will make it a little bit easier for them. Paternity Leave and Benefit can be taken at any point up until the child reaches 28 weeks of age".

The Tánaiste added: "This legislation has been a priority for me since the new Partnership Government was established in May. I have been a strong advocate for the necessity of paid paternity leave for many years. Consistent findings show that targeting investment in a child's early years leads to better outcomes for both the child and wider society.

"As a former Minister for Children I know how important it is for fathers to have the opportunity to be involved at the earliest stages of a child's development. All evidence suggest that the support of both parents at an early stage are in the best interests of the Child.

"I strongly support the Government's commitment to significantly increase parental leave over the next five years and cut the cost of childcare. I hope all members of the Oireachtas will play their part in facilitating this priority legislation through the Houses over the coming weeks."

(MH/LM)