My partner and I are expecting our first child in a few months time. I know that my
partner is entitled to maternity leave but is my employer obliged to give me
additional time off work when our baby is born?
New parents are granted two weeks off work for paternity leave. The leave can begin at
any point within the first six months following the baby’s birth. If you adopt a child, you
are also eligible to receive paternity leave.
Paternity leave is typically taken by fathers. Same-sex couples are also eligible for
paternity leave.
While you are on paternity leave, your employer is not required to pay you; however, you
might be eligible for Paternity Benefit. The legislation on paternity leave is set out in
the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act, 2016.
Parents are also entitled to other statutory leave options. Parents may be entitled to:
• Adoptive leave: For one adoptive parent or parent adopting alone.
• Force majeure leave: For parents who need to take time off work urgently due to an
injury or illness of a close family member.
• Carer’s leave: For people who need to take time off work temporarily to provide full-
time care for someone who needs it.
• Parental leave: Gives parents the right to take 26 weeks of unpaid leave from work to
look after their children under 12 years.
• Parent’s leave: Gives parents the right to take 7 weeks’ leave to look after their children
under 2 or during the first two years of adoption.