Heydon welcomes parental leave extended by fortnight
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Minister Martin Heydon, TD for Kildare South and Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, has welcomed the extension of parent’s leave and benefit from seven weeks to nine weeks, which he described as “a boost to families across Kildare”.
“Fine Gael have increased parent’s leave to acknowledge the difficulties faced by families with young children,” said the Minister, who is himself of some experience with a young family - albeit with no minor assistance from pharmacist and All-Star wife Brianne.
“Under these new measures, you can now claim nine weeks' parent’s leave if your child is under the age of two on 1 August, 2024, or if your adopted child has been placed with your family less than two years by the same date.
“Fine Gael introduced this leave in 2019 with an original bill published by Deputies Charlie Flanagan, David Stanton and MEP Regina Doherty.
“It has been incrementally increased since and Minister Heather Humphreys has worked to ensure parent’s leave has been expanded from two weeks to nine weeks per parent.
This is a major support for many families so they can better balance work with family commitments.
“This measure will be available to both mothers and fathers and will apply to all future parents.
“Parent’s benefit will also increase from seven weeks to nine weeks for each parent if they qualify.
Parent’s benefit is paid while you are on parent’s leave from work if you have enough PRSI contributions.
“There is no doubt that such a measure will have a positive impact on life for all families in Kildare especially those with newborn children.
“Evidence shows that children benefit from being cared for and spending time with their parents when they are very young, and, as a parent myself, I know how valuable time with your children is.”
“Parent's leave also gives an opportunity for fathers to take this leave in addition to their two-week paternity leave, to have a total of 11 weeks off to be involved in the earliest stages of their child’s development”.
