What is paternity leave?
With effect from September 1, 2016, registered teachers are entitled to a single period of two consecutive weeks' paid paternity leave. The leave is to allow the relevant parent to provide or assist in the care of the child, or to provide support to the mother or adopting parent of the child concerned as the case may be, or both.
Who is entitled to paternity leave?
Paternity leave is available to a relevant parent on the birth/adoption of a child, where the date of birth/day of placement falls on or after September 1, 2016. The term 'relevant parent' refers to a teacher (other than the mother of the child) who is one of the following:
- the father of the child
- the spouse/civil partner/cohabitant of the birth mother/adopting parent of the child
- the spouse/civil partner/cohabitant of the sole male adopter of the child, or
- the parent of the child, under section 5 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, where the child is a donor-conceived child.
Paternity leave is available for stillbirths after 24 weeks of pregnancy. This leave is available to permanent/fixed-term/non-casual substitutes and regular part-time teachers.
How much paternity leave am I entitled to?
With effect from September 1, 2016, registered teachers are entitled to a single period of two consecutive weeks' paid paternity leave. In the case of multiple births, or where more than one child is being adopted at the same time, the maximum of two consecutive weeks' leave still applies.
When can I take paternity leave?
Paternity leave may commence at any time from the date of birth or date of placement of the child to 26 weeks thereafter.
How do I apply for paternity leave?
There are two steps involved in applying for paternity leave.
Step 1 The relevant parent must notify their employer of their intention to take paternity leave not less than four weeks before the commencement of such leave and provide their employer with the following:
In the case of a birth:
- a copy of the medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner confirming the pregnancy and specifying the expected date of birth of the child concerned, or
- a copy of the birth certificate where notification is given after the birth.
In the case of an adoption:
- a declaration/official placement order, or
- a copy of the placement certificate where notification is given after the date of placement.
Step 2 The relevant parent must complete the application form located in Circular Letter 0054/2019 - Chapter 4 - Appendix A – as soon as possible, but no later than seven days after the commencement of the leave, and forward it to their employer with a copy of the birth certificate/official placement order for the child.
Am I entitled to be paid while on paternity leave?
In order to claim Paternity Benefit from the Department of Social Protection, Class A PRSI contributors should complete the PB1/PB2 form and submit it directly to the Department of Social Protection six weeks prior to the commencement date of the period of paternity leave.