Paid leave for new parents extended to seven weeks

The support applies to both parents
Paid leave for new parents extended to seven weeks

Paid Parent’s Leave and Benefit is being extended to seven weeks.

From today, parents can avail of the leave as part of steps introduced by Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys and Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman.

The measure will see the number of weeks parents can take time off work with financial support from the State increase from five weeks to seven. The support applies to both parents.

Parent’s Leave and Benefit is available to anyone with a child under two years of age or who has adopted a child within the last two years.

The take-up of the leave has increased three-fold since 2020.

More in this section

Targeted youth mental health support must stand apart from wellbeing help – Esri Targeted youth mental health support must stand apart from wellbeing help – Esri
'Embarrassing': Ireland's defence capabilities questioned over drone incursion during Zelenskiy visit 'Embarrassing': Ireland's defence capabilities questioned over drone incursion during Zelenskiy visit
Euro stock State’s refusal of spouse’s pension for partner of 25 years is unconstitutional

Sponsored Content

Turning risk into reward: Top business risks in 2026 Turning risk into reward: Top business risks in 2026
Top tips to protect Ireland's plant health Top tips to protect Ireland's plant health
River Boyne in County Meath, Ireland. Water matters: protecting Ireland’s most precious resource
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more