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From September this year, fathers will have the option to take 2 weeks paternity leave. The leave will come with a social welfare benefit along the same lines as maternity leave. 

The leave can be taken any time within a 26 week period of the birth of a child 

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Equality Minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin today announced that proposals for paternity leave had been approved by the Government. 

Minister Fitzgerald noted that the leave would have positive effects in terms of gender equality and allowing fathers to spend time caring for and being with their children and families.

She said: 

Ireland is one of the few European countries without such leave.Currently fathers use other existing leave arrangements to take time off around the birth of their child to support their families.

Minister Ó Ríordáin added:

Evidence from countries such as Norway shows that paternity leave – aside from its social benefits and positive impact on fatherhood – promotes equality for women and supports higher levels of female participation in the labour force.

For more information read the press release here.