Parent's Leave
A State-paid period of leave available to each parent during a child's early years.
Parent's Leave is an Irish statutory scheme giving each parent a period of leave, supported by State Parent's Benefit, to be taken during the first years of a child's life or following adoption. It is distinct from the longer, unpaid Parental Leave and from maternity or paternity leave.
The entitlement is per parent and cannot generally be transferred between them, which is intended to encourage both parents to take time with a young child. The number of weeks has increased in recent years, so employers should confirm the current figure when updating policies.
Benefit is paid by the Department of Social Protection subject to PRSI conditions; whether the employer tops up pay is a matter of policy. Clear documentation prevents confusion with the similarly named Parental Leave.
