NWCI welcomes Budget 2019 paid parental leave proposals

Published: Monday, September 17, 2018

The National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) today welcomed Government proposals introducing paid parental leave for the first time, in Budget 2019.

Orla O’Connor, Director of NWCI said,

“ Budget 2019 measures to facilitate two weeks paid leave for mothers and fathers are very welcome.  The fact that the leave is a separate entitlement, and not transferable between parents is also welcome, and an important recognition of the role that fathers have to play in ensuring a more equal distribution of care between parents.”  

Orla O’Connor concluded,

“The leave, in addition to 26 weeks maternity leave, two weeks paternity leave and 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave, will bring Ireland closer in line with the rest of Europe, but this is just the first step.  Currently, the take-up of parental leave in Ireland is extremely low by international standards. Introducing paid parental leave will have a positive impact, and NWCI calls on the Government to incrementally introduce paid parental leave up to 26 weeks, so that parents, mothers and fathers, will have a real option of taking care of their child during the first year."

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For more information, please contact Sarah Clarkin, Communications Officer, 085 8619087.