Parent’s leave entitles each parent to 7 weeks’ leave during the first 2 years of a child’s life, or in the case of adoption, within 2 years of the placement of the child with the family.
The leave period remains the same in the case of multiple births, for example if you have twins or if you adopt 2 or more children at the same time.
Parent’s leave increased from 5 weeks to 7 weeks for children born or adopted after 1 July 2022. You can claim the additional 2 weeks' parent’s leave if your child is under the age of 2 on 1 July 2022 or your adopted child has been placed with your family less than 2 years on 1 July 2022.
Please note that payment by the Department of Social Protection is for €250 per week only and is not topped up by the Department of Education/DFHERIS/ employer. See Circular Letter 50/2022