Additional paid parental leave announced

INTO welcomes the announcement of two additional weeks of paid parental leave, which will be available to parents of babies born on or after 1 November 2019.

Although the Department of Education and Skills has not yet published a circular outlining the specific terms governing the scheme, it is INTO’s understanding that this leave will be available to both parents, as two consecutive weeks of paid leave, which must be taken before the child’s first birthday.

Some press reports have described this additional leave as an extension to maternity and paternity leave. Although many parents will use their paid parental leave immediately following their maternity or paternity leave, this is a separate leave entitlement and subject to a separate application process. Eligible teachers who have already applied for their statutory maternity or paternity leave will still be able to apply for their paid parental leave.

The relevant circular and application form will be published on the INTO website as soon as they become available.