At a glance
- Since 2019, parents in Ireland have been entitled to Parent’s Leave if they have a child under two years old or have adopted a child within the last two years.
- From 1 August 2024, the duration of Parent’s Leave will increase from seven weeks to nine weeks for children born or adopted after this date.
- This leave can be taken as a continuous nine week period or in multiple periods of not less than one week.
- Parents with a child under the age of two as of 1 August 2024 can claim the additional two weeks of leave until the child turns two.
Employees in Ireland have been entitled to Parent's Leave since 2019, provided they are:
- a parent to a child under the age of two; or
- in the case of adoption, within two years of the placement of the child with the family.
This entitlement gives parents the right to take a prolonged absence from work to care for their child. The employer is not obligated to pay the employee during this leave, however there is a state benefit eligible parents are entitled to while on this leave (Parent’s Benefit). Employers will often 'top-up' Parent’s Benefit to bring the employee's pay in line with their regular salary.
The duration of Parent’s Leave has been steadily increasing since its commencement, and from 1 August 2024 it will increase from seven weeks to nine weeks for children born or adopted after this date. The leave can be taken as a continuous period of nine weeks leave, or multiple periods of not less than one week.
Parents with a child under the age of two (or the adoptive equivalent) as of 1 August 2024 can claim the additional two weeks of leave up to the date where the child turns two.
If you require further advice and assistance in establishing or reviewing leave policies, please contact a member of DLA Piper’s Irish Employment
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