The Paternity Bill 2016 was published in June 2016, giving effect to the decision in Budget 2016 to provide for 2 weeks paternity leave and associated social welfare benefit to new fathers with effect from 30 September this year.
The Bill will allow fathers to take two weeks paternity leave and qualify for two weeks of paternity benefit within 6 months of the birth of the child. The provisions will apply equally to fathers of adopted children and to same-sex couples. Furthermore, in the event of the death of the baby or a stillborn birth the paternity leave will still apply. The Tánaiste presented the Bill to the Dáil on the 24th of June and confirmed that the minimum payment under the benefit scheme will be 230euro per week for the two week period.
This package will be in addition to statutory maternity leave which provides for 26 weeks of paid maternity leave and an additional 16 weeks of unpaid leave under the Maternity Protection Acts 1994-2006. Section 4 of the Paternity Leave Bill ensures that under Employment Equality Legislation private employers cannot reduce these paternity statutory requirements. Section 6 outlines the father’s entitlement to the two week leave period, with a normal requirement of 4 weeks’ notice to the employer, however exceptions to this requirement do apply. Furthermore, there can be no dismissal or penalisation against the employee for exercising the right to paternity leave.
The Paternity Bill will bring Ireland in line with European standards.
Click here and here for a copy of the Bill and Explanatory Memorandum.
Click here to read the Tanáiste’s speech on the Bill.