For comprehensive details of the paternity leave scheme refer to Chapter Four of Circular 0054/2019 (PDF).
Permanent, CID-holding, fixed-term, and non-casual substitute teachers whose spouse or partner gives birth to a live baby will be entitled to take paternity leave. In the event of a still-birth, paternity leave will be available if the baby had a gestational age of at least twenty-three weeks, or a birth weight of at least 400 grammes. See information note TC/IN 0012/2024 (PDF) which amends the terms of the paternity leave scheme. Paternity leave is also available to adopting parents. Paternity leave is paid, with substitute cover, and lasts two consecutive weeks.
Paternity Leave is a single period of two consecutive weeks paid leave, available to a relevant parent on the birth or adoption of a child.
The term “relevant parent” refers to a teacher (other than the mother of a child) who is one of the following:
- father of the child
- spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant of the birth mother or adopting parent of the child
- spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant of the sole male adopter of the child
- parent of the child, under Section 5 of the Children and Family Act 2015 where the child is a donor-conceived child
The leave may be taken within six months of the birth or placement of the child.
Read 10 Things You Need to Know About Paternity Leave (PDF)
Teachers taking paternity leave must also apply for paternity benefit from the Department of Social Protection. The value of this weekly benefit will be deducted from salary during paternity leave.
Paternity Benefit may be claimed online, through MyWelfare.ie, or a postal application can be requested from the Department of Social Protection.
If you have questions about paternity leave, the INTO QueryLine operates 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, on 01 804 7700.