The Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016

September 2016

With effect from 1 September 2016 fathers will be entitled to 2 weeks’ paternity leave. This leave may be taken at any time during the first 28 weeks after the birth or adoption of the baby. During this time fathers will be entitled to claim social welfare benefit of €230 per week and employers shall have the option to top up this payment. Employers should be given four weeks notice of the intention to take this leave. In order to avail of the social welfare payments fathers will need to obtain a public services card from their local social welfare offices in advance.

For more information, contact your usual Whitney Moore contact or Emma Richmond in our Employment Group.