A Guide to Maternity and Paternity Leave in Ireland

Navigating maternity and paternity leave in Ireland is essential for both employers and employees to understand their rights, obligations, and the processes involved. This guide provides an overview of the duration, required documentation, and the steps to request leave. We’ll also explore the financial aspects, such as salary entitlements provided by the Irish government.

Maternity leave in Ireland

Maternity leave in Ireland is a fundamental right designed to protect the health of both the mother and the child while allowing the mother to recover and bond with her newborn.

Length of maternity leave

In Ireland, the standard duration of maternity leave is 26 weeks, with an additional 16 weeks of unpaid leave available. This leave is split into two parts:

The law requires that at least two weeks of leave must be taken before the expected birth date, though many women opt to take more. The remainder of this leave is taken after the birth (24 weeks). During this time, the mother is given time to recover physically and emotionally from childbirth, bond with the baby, and adapt to new family responsibilities.

Extending maternity leave

Employees in Ireland have the option to extend their maternity leave by up to 16 weeks of unpaid leave. This extension must start immediately after the 26-week paid leave period ends and must be requested at least 4 weeks before the initial maternity leave is due to finish.

Requesting maternity leave

To ensure compliance with Irish law, the process for requesting maternity leave must be carefully followed. The employee must notify their employer of their intention to take maternity leave at least 4 weeks before the leave is due to start. This notification should include the expected date of delivery in the form of a doctor’s or midwife’s certificate confirming the pregnancy and the expected due date. The employee should also provide the intended start and end dates of the leave.

Salary during maternity leave

In Ireland, maternity benefit is paid by the Department of Social Protection for the 26 weeks of maternity leave, provided that the employee has sufficient PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) contributions. The standard amount paid by the government is 274 EUR, per week.

Many employers offer additional top-up payments to employees during maternity leave, which is typically outlined in the employment contract or collective agreements. This top-up ensures that employees receive their full salary or a portion of it during maternity leave.

Paternity Leave in Ireland

Paternity leave in Ireland recognizes the importance of a father’s role in the early stages of a child’s life, providing them the opportunity to support the mother and bond with their newborn.

Length of paternity leave

Irish law entitles fathers to 2 weeks of paternity leave, which can be taken any time within the first 6 months following the birth or adoption of a child. This leave allows fathers to be present during the early days of their child’s life, offering crucial support to both the mother and the baby.

Requesting paternity leave

The process for requesting paternity leave in Ireland is straightforward but must be done with proper documentation:

• Notification to employer: The father must notify their employer at least 4 weeks before the start of the paternity leave. This notification should specify the intended dates of the leave.
• Documentation: The employee must provide proof of the child’s birth (such as a birth certificate) or proof of cessation date. In the case of adoption, proof of placement.

Salary during paternity leave

Paternity Benefit is paid by the Department of Social Protection for the 2 weeks of paternity leave, provided the employee meets the necessary PRSI contribution requirements. The benefit is paid as a standard payment weekly rate of 274 EUR. Employers may offer a top-up to this amount.

Navigating maternity and paternity leave in Ireland

Understanding the rules and regulations surrounding maternity and paternity leave is crucial for maintaining compliance with Irish employment law. Both employers and employees must be aware of their rights and obligations to ensure a smooth and supportive transition during these critical life events.

At Parakar, we specialize in helping businesses navigate the complexities of employment law in Ireland. Whether you need assistance with managing leave requests or understanding the financial implications, our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact Parakar today to ensure your business is well-prepared to support your employees during maternity and paternity leave, fostering a positive and compliant workplace environment.