51,409 dads benefit from paternity pay

MORE than 50,000 dads availed of the Paternity Benefit since its introduction two years ago.

A total of 51,409 men claimed the two-week payment including 4,100 self-employed.

The current rate of the Paternity Benefit is €240 per week which will increase to €245 in March.

Social Minister Regina Doherty said: “I am delighted that working parents are availing of their PRSI following the birth or adoption of their baby.

“The benefit of allowing parents’ greater time with a new baby will be beneficial to children, families and society as a whole.”