Starting from 1 August 2024, the duration of Parent’s Leave will be extended from 7 weeks to 9 weeks. This additional 2 weeks of leave applies to:
- Children who are under the age of 2 in August 2024
- Adoptive children who have been placed with their parents for less than 2 years as of 1 August 2024
Parent’s leave allows employees to take time off work to care for their child during their first 2 years – this is different from Parental Leave, which entitlement typically ends upon a child reaching the age of 12.
If an employee has already taken their current entitlement of 7 weeks of Parent’s leave before this 1 August 2024, and a child is still under 2 years old, employee(s) will be entitled to an additional 2 weeks.
Parent’s leave must be taken within 2 years of the birth or adoptive placement of a child. This entitlement applies equally to multiple births or if adopting two or more children at the same time.
During Parent’s Leave, employees may not receive payment from their employer, however, employees can apply for Parent's Benefit from the Department of Social Protection (DSP), which has also been extended to 9 weeks.
The leave entitlement is individual and cannot be transferred from one partner or another caregiver. Taking Parent’s Leave does not affect employees other leave entitlements, such as maternity, adoptive, paternity, and parental leave.
Contact Us:
For more advice and support on Parental Leave, or to discuss our HR services, please contact a member of the RBK HR Solutions Team:
- Yvonne Clarke – HR Solutions Manager - (090) 6480600
- Áine Dunne – Asst. HR Solutions Manager - (090) 6480600
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information within this publication is correct at the time of going to print, RBK do not accept any responsibility for any errors, omissions or misinformation whatsoever in this publication and shall have no liability whatsoever. The information contained in this publication is not intended to be an advice on any particular matter. No reader should act on the basis of any matter contained in this publication without appropriate professional advice.
