Parental Leave/Force Majeure Leave
Parental leave is a period of unpaid leave available to teachers/lecturers for the purpose of the care of children.
With effect from the 8th of January 2024, a teacher is entitled to a maximum of 26 weeks Parental Leave in respect of each child up to the age of 16 years of age. Previously, the entitlement was 26 weeks Parental Leave in respect of each child up to 13 years of age, or the age of 16 years in the case of a child with a disability and/or long-term illness.
Six weeks advance notice must be given. See Circular Letter 0054/2019 - 'Leave Schemes for Registered Teachers Employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools.' . The section on the Parental Leave Scheme begins on p.81 of the document.
At third level parental leave may be taken in a manner agreed with the employer.