In the case of a child who is, or is to be, adopted the term “relevant parent” means a teacher who is:
(i) the qualifying adopter of the child, and
(ii) the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant, as the case may be, of the qualifying adopter of the child
How much parent’s leave do I have?
Each parent is entitled to seven weeks of parent’s leave per child.
This leave is available until your child turns two, or in the case of adoption, for the first two years following your child’s placement.
This leave is available until your child turns two, or in the case of adoption, for the first two years following your child’s placement.
Is parent’s leave paid?
Parent’s leave is not paid by the Department of Education, but if you have sufficient PRSI contributions – at Class A or Class D – you may be eligible to claim Parent’s Benefit from the DSP, details here. This weekly benefit is €262 per week, with effect from 1 January 2023.
How do I apply for parent’s leave and benefit?
You should apply to your school with six weeks’ notice, using the form at Appendix A of circular 50/2022 (PDF).
You must also apply online to the Department of Social Protection for Parent’s Benefit, with at least four weeks’ notice, details here.
You must also apply online to the Department of Social Protection for Parent’s Benefit, with at least four weeks’ notice, details here.
Do I have to take parent’s leave in full seven-day blocks?
Yes.
The full seven weeks do not have to be taken consecutively, but parent’s leave must be taken in multiples of seven days.
The full seven weeks do not have to be taken consecutively, but parent’s leave must be taken in multiples of seven days.
Does parent’s leave have to start on a Monday, or on any particular day?
No, parent’s leave can commence on any day of the week, as long as it’s being taken in full seven-day blocks. (E.g. Monday to Sunday, Wednesday to Tuesday, etc.)
Parent’s leave increased by two weeks on 1 July 2022. I had already used the initial five weeks – can I avail of these additional two weeks?
If your child is still under the age of two, or if it’s less than two years since they were placed with you, you are eligible to take seven weeks’ parent’s leave in total.
If you’ve already taken five weeks, you are eligible to take the remaining two weeks.
If you’ve already taken five weeks, you are eligible to take the remaining two weeks.
Parent’s leave increased by two weeks on 1 July 2022. My baby turned two in July 2022. Is there any extension available so I can take these additional two weeks?
No, your entitlement to parent’s leave expired when your baby turned two.
Can you explain “Exceptional Arrangements for August 2022” outlined at part 3 of circular 50/2022?
The extension outlined at part 3 of circular 50/2022 (PDF) applies only in very limited circumstances, where a child is turning two, or has been placed with their adoptive parent for two years, in August 2022 and where the employee has requested to commence their Parent’s Leave in August 2022.