New law will give parents more leave flexibility from work
MINISTER James Browne has said a forthcoming new law will provide greater flexibility and leave for new parents.
Min Browne said that once signed into law, the Family Leave and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2021, will provide more rights for parents to spend time with their child over the first two years of their life.
‘Once the Bill is enacted, working parents will be entitled to an additional three weeks of paid parent’s leave for each parent,’ said Min Browne.
Adoptive parents will also be provided with greater flexibility under the new law and they will have flexibility to decide which parent will avail of adoptive leave and benefit, with paternity leave and benefit available to the other parent.
Min Browne also said the period in which the leave can be taken will be extended to the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child.
‘ The passing of this Bill fulfils a Government commitment to provide a better work life balance for parents in the first couple of years after the birth or adoption of their child,’ said Min Browne.
‘We know these years are crucial in the development of a child’s life and an intensive time for parents,’ he added.
He said enshrining in legislation additional leave will afford parents more flexibility in terms of parenting, their career, and other commitments.
‘ This Bill also amends historical legislation which will now enable adoptive couples to choose which parent may avail of adoptive leave and, in doing so, rectifies an anomaly in the current legislation that left married, male, same-sex couples unable to avail of adoptive leave,’ he said.
The new Bill is currently with President Higgins and Min Browne said he expects it to be signed into law in the coming weeks.