The DSP has seen a near five-fold increase in the number of parent’s availing of Parent’s Benefit during the period April to July 2021 (20,400) in comparison to the same period in 2020 (4,600). Parent’s Leave and Benefit was extended from 2 weeks to 5 weeks in April 2021 and can be availed of during the first 2 years following the birth of a child or following the date of placement of an adopted child. Any parent who originally availed of the 2 weeks can now apply for the additional 3 weeks assuming their child was born or adopted since 1st November 2019.