The Family Leave and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2021 was signed by the President on 27th March. The Act provides for the extension of Parent’s leave from 2 weeks to 5 weeks and an extension in the period in which Parent’s leave can be taken from 1 year to 2 years following the birth of the child/date of adoption.

The leave is available to both parents of the child and can be taken in a continuous block or in separate periods of at least 1 week in duration. Where a parent has previously availed of 2 weeks Parent’s leave, they can now avail of the balance assuming the child is under 2 years of age/within the first 2 years of adoption.

Parent’s Benefit payable by the DSP will also increase from 2 weeks to 5 weeks.