In Ireland, eligible employees are entitled to two weeks of paid paternity leave following the birth or adoption of a child. Paternity Benefit is paid by the Department of Social Protection at the same rate as Maternity Benefit. The leave must be taken within 26 weeks of the birth or placement of the child.

Statutory entitlement

Two weeks of paid paternity leave. Paternity Benefit paid at €274.00 per week (2024 rate) or 70% of average weekly earnings, whichever is higher.

Eligibility

All employees are entitled to paternity leave from day one of employment. To qualify for Paternity Benefit, employees must have made sufficient PRSI contributions: at least 39 weeks of PRSI in the 12-month period before the start of paternity leave, or 39 weeks of PRSI since starting work and 39 weeks in the relevant tax year.

Employer obligations

  • Grant two weeks of paternity leave to all employees following the birth or adoption of a child.
  • Maintain all employment terms (except remuneration) during paternity leave.
  • Allow the employee to return to the same position after paternity leave.
  • Provide the PB2 form to the employee to support their Paternity Benefit application.
  • Not subject to any deduction or detriment for taking paternity leave.

Employee rights

  • Right to two weeks of paternity leave within 26 weeks of the birth or adoption.
  • Right to receive Paternity Benefit from the Department of Social Protection if PRSI conditions are met.
  • Right to return to the same position with the same terms and conditions.
  • Right to accrue annual leave during paternity leave.

Common pitfalls

  • Thinking paternity leave must be taken immediately — it can be taken at any time within 26 weeks of the birth or adoption.
  • Confusing paternity leave with the new parent's leave — Ireland has introduced additional parent's leave (up to 9 weeks per parent) which is separate from paternity leave.
  • Not providing the PB2 form — employers must complete this form for the employee to claim Paternity Benefit.

How paternity leave works

Paternity leave is a standalone two-week entitlement that must be taken within 26 weeks of the birth or placement for adoption. It is available to the father of the child, the spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant of the mother (or adopter).

Paternity Benefit payment

Paternity Benefit is paid by the Department of Social Protection at €274.00 per week. Employees apply through MyWelfare.ie. The employer provides the PB2 form confirming employment details.

Parent's Leave — the additional entitlement

In addition to paternity leave, Ireland has introduced parent's leave — each parent is entitled to up to 9 weeks of paid leave (increased from 2 weeks in 2024) within the first two years of the child's birth or adoption. This is a separate entitlement from paternity leave.

Frequently asked questions

Is paternity leave different from parent's leave?

Yes. Paternity leave is two weeks and must be taken within 26 weeks of birth. Parent's leave is up to 9 weeks per parent and can be taken within the first two years. Both entitle the employee to Parent's Benefit at the same weekly rate.

Can both parents take paternity leave?

Only one person can take paternity leave per birth or adoption. However, both parents can take parent's leave separately.

Does paternity leave count toward redundancy calculations?

Yes. Time on paternity leave counts as continuous employment for all purposes, including redundancy, annual leave accrual, and service-based benefits.

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.