What is parent’s leave?
If you are a new parent, you are entitled to parent’s leave from work during the first 2 years of your child’s life. If you adopt, you can take the leave within 2 years of the placement of the child with your family.
From 1 August 2024, parent’s leave increased from 7 weeks to 9 weeks for:
Parents of children born or adopted from 1 August 2024
Parents of children who are under the age of 2 on 1 August 2024, or
Adoptive children who have been placed with their parents for less than two years on 1 August 2024
You must take the leave within 2 years of the birth of your child or in the case of adoption, from the date your child is placed with you (the placement date). You must give your employer at least 6 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.
How much am I paid during parent’s leave?
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.
Can my employer refuse my application for parent’s leave?
Your employer can only refuse parent’s leave if you are not entitled to it. However, your employer can postpone your parent’s leave for up to 12 weeks, for the following reasons:
Seasonal variations in the volume of work
No replacement to carry out your work
The nature of your duties
The number of other employees also taking parent’s leave
Read more about parent’s leave at https://bit.ly/ParentsLeaveInfo, or call us on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm)
Know Your Rights has been compiled by South Connacht Citizens Information Service CLG, which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0818 07 6330 Address: Boyle CIC, Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
