Can I take paternity or parent's leave in Ireland?
Yes — the leave is a statutory right, and the payment depends on your PRSI record. Paternity leave is 2 weeks, taken in one block within the first 6 months after the birth or adoption. Parent's leave is 9 weeks per parent, taken within the child's first 2 years (raised from 7 to 9 weeks in August 2024). Both Paternity Benefit and Parent's Benefit pay €299 a week in 2026 — no USC or PRSI is charged on them, but they're taxable. To get the payment you need enough PRSI: broadly 39 weeks paid in the 12 months before the leave (the relevant tax year for 2026 leave is 2024), or 52 contributions for the self-employed. Each parent's parent's-leave entitlement is their own and non-transferable. In short: yes — two weeks' paternity plus nine weeks' parent's leave each.
📋 The rules
- Paternity leave: 2 weeks within 6 months of birth
- Parent's leave: 9 weeks per parent within 2 years
- Both pay €299/week in 2026
- Need enough PRSI (about 39 weeks paid)
- Parent's leave is non-transferable between parents
🔓 Exceptions
- Half-rate benefit if you already get certain social welfare payments
- A dependants top-up can raise the weekly rate above €299
- Baby in hospital: paternity leave can be postponed up to 6 months
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Both benefits pay €299 a week in 2026. Notify your employer of paternity leave at least 4 weeks ahead (apply for the benefit 4 weeks ahead, or 12 weeks if self-employed); for parent's leave notify at least 6 weeks ahead and apply at least 4 weeks ahead (6 weeks self-employed). Appeals go to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 60 days. A dependants top-up can lift the rate above €299 — for example an unemployed partner plus two children under 12 can give around €538.60 a week. Beware a myth: "parent's leave can be transferred to the other parent if unused" is false — the 9 weeks are individual and non-transferable, and are lost if not taken before the child's second birthday. To claim: give your employer notice and apply to the Department of Social Protection for the benefit in good time.
📎 Official sources
- Citizens Information — Paternity Benefit →
- Citizens Information — Parent's Benefit →
- gov.ie — Paternity Benefit →
❓ Frequently asked
How much paternity and parent's leave can I take?
You can take two weeks of paternity leave, in one block, within the first six months after the birth or adoption. Separately, each parent can take nine weeks of parent's leave during the child's first two years. Parent's leave rose from seven to nine weeks in August 2024 and can be taken in blocks.
How much do the benefits pay?
In 2026, both Paternity Benefit and Parent's Benefit pay €299 a week. No PRSI or USC is charged on them, but they are taxable. If you already receive certain other social welfare payments you may get a half rate, and a dependants top-up can raise your weekly payment above the standard €299.
Do I qualify for the payment?
To get Paternity or Parent's Benefit you need enough PRSI contributions — broadly 39 weeks paid in the 12 months before your leave starts, with the relevant tax year for 2026 leave being 2024. Self-employed people need 52 qualifying contributions in the relevant year. The leave itself is a right even if you don't qualify for the payment.
Can I give my parent's leave to my partner?
No. Each parent has their own separate, non-transferable entitlement to nine weeks of parent's leave. You can't transfer unused weeks to the other parent. The leave is also use-it-or-lose-it: any weeks you don't take before the child's second birthday are lost, so it's worth planning to use the full entitlement.
How much notice do I give my employer?
For paternity leave, you should tell your employer at least four weeks before the leave starts. For parent's leave, give at least six weeks' notice. You apply separately to the Department of Social Protection for the benefit — at least four weeks ahead if employed, or six weeks ahead if self-employed.
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