Q: We are the parents of a new baby, both working full-time and trying to get our heads around the various leaves available. What is the story with parent’s leave? It is paid? How we avail of it?
A: A very common question, and one at a time where you could do with all the hand-holding you can get no doubt.
If you are a new parent, you are entitled to parent’s leave from work during the first two years of your child’s life. If you adopt, you can take the leave within two years of the placement of the child with your family.
From this past August 1, parent’s leave increased from 7 weeks to 9 weeks for: parents of children born or adopted from August 1, 2024; parents of children who are under the age of two on August 1, 2024; and parents of adoptive children who have been placed with the family for less than two years on August 1, 2024.
You must take the leave within two years of the birth of your child or, in the case of adoption, from the date your child is placed with you.
You should note also that you must give your employer at least six weeks’ notice of your intention to take parent’s leave.
If you are granted parent’s leave, you can take it as one continuous period or separate periods of not less than one week at a time.
In terms of other benefits, if you have enough PRSI contributions, you could qualify for Parent’s Benefit, a weekly payment of €274. Some employers top up this payment, but they don’t have to.
I would take note also of the fact that an employer can only refuse parent’s leave if you are not entitled to it. However, they can postpone your parent’s leave for up to 12 weeks in the case of: seasonal variations in the volume of your work; no replacement to carry out your work; the nature of your duties; or the number of other employees also taking parent’s leave.
The very best of health and luck to you and your new baby.
Limerick Citizens Information Centre answer your questions in the Limerick Post. If you have a question relating to social welfare issues, tenant or consumer rights, immigration, money, tax, housing, or employment, email [email protected], call 0818 075 780, or drop in to Riverstone House, Henry Street, V93 T28.
