In Ireland, parents are entitled to Parent’s leave which entitles each parent to 7 weeks’ leave during the first 2 years of a child’s life, or in the case of adoption, within 2 years of the placement of the child with the family. However, it was announced in Budget 2024 that Parent’s leave and Parent’s Benefit will be extended by 2 weeks to 9 weeks from August 2024.
An employer does not have to pay you while you are on parent’s leave, although some employers may ‘top-up’ your parent’s leave. An employee can apply to DSP for Parent’s benefit while they are on Parent’s leave.
Who qualifies for parent’s leave?
The legislation governing parent’s leave is the Parent's Leave and Benefit Act 2019, as amended.
You must meet certain criteria to be eligible to take parent’s leave. You must:
The legislation only provides for the minimum entitlement to parent’s leave. Your contract of employment may give you more rights.
Does it all have to be taken at one time?
You can take this leave as:
Parent’s leave cannot be transferred between parents – except in specified circumstances such as the death of one of the parents.
Does it affect my employment?
Parents leave, Parental leave and Paternity leave
Parent’s leave is specifically for parents during the child’s first 2 years.
Parental leave entitles parents to take unpaid leave from work to spend time looking after their children. Since 1 September 2020, both parents can take up to 26 weeks parental leave.
Paternity leave is specifically for new parents in their child’s first 6 months.
ifac is incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Ireland, Industrial and Provident Society registration number 3528R, whose registered office address is at Danville Business Park, Ring Road, Danville, Kilkenny. ifac is the brand name under which Irish Farm Accounts Co-operative Society Limited and its subsidiaries operate and provide professional services.
ifac Audit Services Limited trading as ifac is incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Ireland, registration number 578883, and has a registered office address at Danville Business Park, Ring Road, Danville, Kilkenny.
ifac Investment Services Limited trading as ifac Financial Planning is incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Ireland, registration number 285245, and has a registered office address at Danville Business Park, Ring Road Danville, Kilkenny. Each subsidiary is a separate legal entity and together they form ifac .
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