Ireland 2024 Parental Leave: Duration and Application Process

Ireland 2024 Parental Leave: Duration and Application Process

Learn about Parental Leave in Ireland 2024: Duration and Application Process. The Irish Government’s initiative aims to enhance work-life balance by providing short-term unpaid leave for parents caring for children under 12. Eligible for parents of first children for up to 2 years. Explore details in this article.

Parental Leave Ireland 2024

Parental leave is a federal benefit allowing parents to take unpaid time off work to care for their children. Each parent is eligible for up to 26 weeks per child before the child turns 12, provided they’ve worked for the employer for a year. In 2024, Ireland has extended parental leave from 7 to 9 weeks, emphasizing its commitment to supporting employees’ work-life balance. Full-time employees, both biological and adoptive parents, who have completed one year of service, are entitled to 22 weeks of unpaid leave per child.

How Long is Parental Leave in Ireland?

Starting from August 2023, parental leave has been extended to 9 weeks, allowing parents to take up to 26 weeks in total. This benefit is tailored for employed parents, especially valuable for those with newborns in their first 6 months. Parents and guardians of children under 12 years typically receive payment during this leave, and the duration can stretch up to 26 weeks.

To avail Parental Leave benefits in Ireland, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria, including:

1. Being a relevant parent, defined as a biological, adoptive, or loco parent.
2. Taking the leave before children turn 12 (or 16 for those with long-term disabilities).
3. Providing at least 6 weeks’ notice to the employer.
4. Choosing between a continuous period or 6-week blocks, subject to employer approval.

Employees need to meet these criteria to ensure compliance with parental leave legislation. Additionally, the entitlement to parental leave may vary based on the terms outlined in the employment contract.

How to Apply for Parental Leave in Ireland?

If you’re gearing up for parental leave, make sure to give your employer a heads-up in writing at least 6 weeks before you intend to start. In this notice, specify the start date, how you plan to take the leave (either as a continuous 26-week block or one day per week), and the overall duration of your intended leave. It helps smooth the process and ensures everyone is on the same page.

When preparing for parental leave, it’s crucial to navigate the process smoothly. Complete the parental leave application form HR108J and submit it, along with the confirmation document, to your manager. Before your leave begins, ensure both you and your employer sign the confirmation document. Additionally, your employer should complete the Client Eligibility Service section of DSP, confirming the duration, specific dates, and total entitled weeks of Parental Leave in Ireland.

Upon returning from parental leave, you have the option to request changes to your working hours and pattern. While these changes are typically temporary, your employer must respond in writing within 4 weeks. If illness strikes during parental leave, the leave resumes after recovery, and you’re entitled to your employee sick leave during that period. It’s all about ensuring a smooth transition and communication throughout the process.