Paternity Leave

Entitlement

Up to three school days' paid leave must be taken within four weeks of the birth.

In the case of multiple births the maximum of three school days still applies. Paternity leave is not granted where the birth occurs before twenty four weeks of pregnancy and the child is stillborn. This is in line with maternity leave arrangements.

Taking Paternity Leave

The three days' paternity leave may be taken either consecutively or individually as appropriate, subject to board of management approval. Job sharing teachers are treated on a pro-rata basis.

Application to Board of Management

You should notify you board of management at least four weeks in advance of your intention of taking the leave (it is not expected that you would give exact dates at this time). You should then at the earliest possible date, inform you board of the exact dates.

Substitute Cover

A qualified substitute teacher may be employed by the board of management to cover the period of paid paternity leave. The substitute teacher will be paid for by the Department of Education and Skills. The board of management should list the reason for the absence as 'Paternity Leave' on the Substitute Teacher Salary Claim Form.