Parents could be in for a further payment – of two weeks paid parental leave, under Government plans.
Parents are entitled to 18 weeks of parental leave, unpaid at present, during their childÂ’s first eight years.
Reports suggested that the Government is considering making paternity leave mandatory, a suggestion the Minister for Social Protection has denied.
Regina Doherty says sheÂ’s trying to bring up the numbers of fathers taking the leave theyÂ’re owed, and she rubbished media reports Dads take the two weeks leave to play golf;
Fathers around the country have reacted positively to the news, with many saying they'd welcome the opportunity for further time with their new child.
It should absolutely be mandatory, I took about a months worth of annual leave when my son was born two years ago.
— Thomas Murray (@toshmurray) April 6, 2018
Juliette, I took my 2 weeks in September, our baby was 3 months old. Loved the time with her and we even had a break away in Belfast. My company covered the additional cost after Welfare’s payment so it was an easy decision.
— Shay Lawlor (@bolawlor) April 6, 2018
I took it for mine. Loved the time, essential to bond. Important to be there for mum too, first couple of months are tough going.
— Junior (@2_five_2) April 6, 2018
Hi Juliette,I took the two weeks just after our first baby was born last April. My company covered my full salary so it was a no brainier. And I was flat out for the two weeks. Very important to take it if you can.
— Declan Killilea (@DKillilea1) April 6, 2018
I got 2 weeks off with the army and I loved it. I did the food prep, cleaning, ironing, washing, shopping and the school runs for our other kids which gave my fiance the time to rest and concentrate on our wee girl. It made things alot easier
— christyoc (@ChristopherOCon) April 6, 2018
Others had a harder time, or found they'd just missed the cut-off point, causing great frustration;
My daughter was born a month before it came in so I wasn't eligible despite you being allowed to take it within the first 6 months of your child's life
— Patrick Corbett (@Finishedatlast) April 6, 2018
Yes I did take it. Was great having the time off but was hard financially as my job didn't cover my wages along with the "dole" payment you get from the government
— Adam Byrne (@Byrneski85) April 6, 2018
