Press release
Minister Humphreys and Minister O’Gorman announce the extension of paid Parent’s Leave and Benefit to 7 weeks
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From today, parents can now avail of 7 weeks' paid Parent’s Leave and Benefit, as part of measures introduced by Ministers Heather Humphreys and Roderic O’Gorman.
The measures will see the number of weeks that parents can take time off work, with financial support from the State, increase from 5 weeks to 7 weeks.
The support applies to both parents and is part of the government’s ambition to ensure that parents can enjoy meaningful quality time with their new-born in the knowledge they will be financially supported.
Parent’s Leave and Benefit is available to anyone with a child under 2 years of age or who has adopted a child within the last 2 years.
The take-up of Parent’s Leave and Benefit has increased three-fold since 2020.
In 2021, a total of 51,400 parents were supported – compared to just 16,700 in 2020.
Since the start of 2022, the total number of applications awarded reached over 28,000.
Speaking today, Minister Humphreys and Minister O’Gorman stated that they are committed to a further expansion of Parent’s Leave and Benefit to 9 weeks in line with the Work Life Balance Directive.
Minister Humphreys commented:
“I’m delighted that from today, tens of thousands of families across the country will benefit from 7 weeks' paid parent’s leave and benefit.
“This is a support that we have increased over several Budgets and the significant raise in take-up demonstrates just how popular it is with parents.
“I believe strongly that the first few weeks and months spent with a new-born son or daughter is so important.
“Today’s measure will see the number of weeks of paid leave each parent can take increase from 5 to 7.
“I’m committed to working closely with my colleague, Minister O’Gorman, in delivering further increases in this support.
“Because by doing so, we will ensure that mothers and fathers who experience that special occasion of welcoming their child into the world, will know that their State supports them.”
Minister O’Gorman commented:
“Welcoming a child into the world is one of the most important moments in a parent’s life. We want to ensure that new parents are supported to spend quality time with their babies in those first weeks and months, and be there to share special bonding moments.
“Since the formation of this government, we have increased Parent’s Leave and Benefit from 2 weeks to 7 weeks, enabling tens of thousands of new parents to take time away from work knowing that they are financially supported.
“I am delighted that we have been able to support these parents to spend more time with their families, and I hope the increase we have announced today encourages even more parents to take up the offer of paid parent’s leave.”
Parent’s Benefit is available to employed and self-employed parents with the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions. It is available to parents within 2 years of their child’s birth or adoption.
Parent’s Benefit is paid at a rate of €250 a week. This is the same rate as Maternity, Paternity and Adoptive benefit.
7 weeks' payment is now available for each parent, representing a payment of €1,750 per parent.
The Parent’s Benefit scheme is family-friendly and flexible, facilitating parents to avail of the benefit in a block of 7 consecutive weeks or in separate weekly blocks over a longer period.
The quickest and easiest way to apply for Parent’s Benefit is online via MyWelfare.ie.