LOUTH DADS AVAILING OF PATERNITY PAY
Dundalk Councillor John McGahon said 2018 was a ‘ landmark year’ for Louth Dads, with 595 availing of the paid paternity benefit scheme.
Cllr. McGahon said: “I’m delighted to see the continued success of this scheme. Uptake for paternity benefit has been steady throughout the year and I hope to see the trend continue in 2019.
‘ The scheme has benefited thousands of Dads across the country with 595 availing in Louth last year.’
The current rate of Paternity Benefit is €240 per week. Following Budget 2019, this will increase to €245 per week from the week beginning 25 March 2019.
Cllr. McGahon added :’I am encouraging prospective fathers to sign up for Paternity Benefit..
‘ The application process is clear and simple. New Dads will require a Public Service Card in order to apply, and if they are an employee, they need to give four weeks’ notice to their employer to qualify for the accompanying Paternity Leave.’
Fathers who fulfil the PRSI requirements are eligible for Paternity Benefit when they take two weeks of Paternity Leave at any time within the first 26 weeks of their child’s life, or following adoption.
All the information on how to apply for Paternity Leave, and how to get your Public Service Card, is available at www. welfare.ie/paternitybenefit.
‘ The Government is committed to helping hard pressed working families and will continue to pursue a number of family friendly childcare options including subsidised high quality childcare, the opening up of our schools to provide aftercare and support for parents who choose to stay at home and care for their children,’ the Fine Gael Councillor said.