Considering how hard people have campaigned for parental benefits, the latest statistics released regarding paternity leave are highly surprising.
According to new figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), only around one-fifth of new fathers in Ireland are actually availing of their paternity leave.
Thanks to legislative changes introduced last year, new fathers are entitled to two weeks’ paid paternity leave, with benefits set at €230 per week. This fortnight can be taken at any point within the first 26 weeks after the baby is born, and fathers are not obliged to use the leave right away.
The new CSO statistics revealed that, with 63,000 babies born last year, only 12,000 Irish fathers actually took their leave – meaning that a staggering majority are not availing of the benefits.
The news has launched an important conversation surrounding the topic, with many people sharing their reasons – or that of their spouses – for not availing of the paid leave.
While many people have admitted to not knowing the ins and outs of what they are entitled to; a number of parents have revealed that, as they would be earning more money at work, they were simply not prepared to substitute the leave for wages.
As usual, the conversation really took flight over on Twitter, with the general consensus being that taking the fortnight of paid leave just ‘wasn’t worth it to them’.
When the Paternity Bill was formally published and introduced into law last year, it was widely welcomed, with many highlighting how important that time is for a father to bond with his child.
Speaking at the time, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “It’s great to be able to do something for dads by providing paternity benefit to all PRSI contributors for the first time.
“Parenting is changing, and fathers are more and more involved in raising their children. Ireland is behind the curve compared to our European colleagues, but this combined package of Paternity Leave and Paternity Bill will help to address that.”
So, why exactly are dads not taking this leave, mums? Has your other half availed of it? Let us know.
