Important Updates to Parents Leave in Ireland

Starting from 1 August 2024, Parent’s leave in Ireland will increase from 7 weeks to 9 weeks for children born or adopted after this date. This means that eligible employees can avail of an additional 2 weeks of leave while their children are under two years of age. The criteria for claiming this extended leave are as follows: 

•  The child must be under the age of 2 on 1 August 2024. 
• Alternatively, the adopted child must have been placed with the family less than 2 years on 1 August 2024. This extension aims to provide better support to working parents, allowing them to spend extra time with their young children during their early childhood years. This is a positive move forward for addressing pressures on parents during their children’s early years.  

 

When it comes to Parent’s leave, the soon-to-be nine week period does not necessarily come with a payment. However, you may qualify for a payment called Parent’s Benefit during parent’s leave. Parent’s Benefit is paid while you are on parent’s leave from work if you have enough social insurance (PRSI) contributions. Your employer is not obliged to make a payment to you during this time, but they may offer to ‘top up’ payments from Social Welfare. If you qualify for Parent’s Benefit, you will receive €274 each week. 

In addition to the increase in Parent’s leave, it's important to understand the broader scope of leave available for parents in Ireland. So, it is important to understand the difference between parental leave and parent’s leave.

 

Parental leave entitles parents to take unpaid leave from work to care for their children. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of parental leave: 

Eligibility: 

• Parents can take parental leave for each child up to the age of 12. 
• If a child has a long-term illness or disability, the leave can be taken up to the age of 16. 
• For adopted children, parental leave can be taken up to 12 years after the adoption date if the child is under 10, or up to age 16 if the child has a long-term illness or disability. 

Duration: 

• Each parent is entitled to 26 weeks of parental leave per child. 
• Parental leave can be taken in one continuous period or in blocks, provided the employer agrees. 

Notification: 

• Employees must provide at least 6 weeks' notice before taking parental leave. 
• Employers have the right to postpone the leave for up to 6 months if it would disrupt the business significantly, but must provide a written explanation. 

Employment Rights: 

• Employees on parental leave are entitled to return to the same job or an equivalent position. 
• The leave is unpaid, but social welfare benefits may be available. 

 

As an employer, it is essential to prepare for these changes to Parent’s leave. Here are some steps to ensure your business is ready: 

• Update Policies: Review and update your company’s Parent’s leave policies to reflect the new regulations. Ensure that your HR team and managers are informed about these changes. 
• Communicate with Employees: Inform your employees about the increase in Parent's leave and the eligibility criteria. Clear communication will help manage expectations and ensure that employees are aware of their rights. 
• Plan for Absences: Consider how the extended Parent's leave might impact your business operations. Develop strategies to manage potential absences, such as cross-training staff or hiring temporary replacements. 
• Support Working Parents: Benefits like remote work or adjusted hours, can help employees balance their work and family responsibilities and can engender a positive sentiment among employees. 

 

The increase in Parent's leave is a significant change that employers in Ireland need to be aware of. Rights for parents, including maternity leave, paternity leave, Parental leave and now, extended Parent’s Leave all showcase how Ireland is changing for the better. By understanding the details of this update and how it fits within the broader context of leave for parents, you can ensure compliance and provide valuable support to your employees. Updating your policies, communicating effectively, and planning for absences will help your business navigate these changes smoothly. 

We are here to help you stay informed and compliant with the latest employment laws. To find out more about our HR Solutions and guarantee your processes are compliant with Irish employment laws, talk with us today!