A paternity bill is to be published tomorrow, bringing in two weeks' paid leave for new fathers - from September of this year.

Announcing the bill on Father's Day, the Tánaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said the legislation is long overdue.

Minister Fitzgerald said she's confident the bill will pass through the Seanad and Dáil over the next 4 weeks, as it has support from all sides of the house.

When enacted, it will allow new fathers to start the combined package of paternity leave and paternity benefit, within the first six months of a child's birth.

It will also apply to the fathers of newly-adopted children.

The Tánaiste said paid paternity leave will help to support both men and women in combining family and work life: