The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Mr Alan Shatter, T.D., today (8 March 2013) signed regulations extending parental leave from 14 weeks to 18 weeks. The changes give effect to EU Council Directive 2010/18/EU of 8 March 2010 which implements a revised Framework Agreement on parental leave concluded by the European Social Partners. The main changes are:
- an increase from 3 to 4 months
- the extra month being non-transferable between parents. (It is hoped that this non-transferable period will encourage men to take parental leave and encourage a more equal sharing of family responsibilities between men and women).
- the right to request flexible working arrangements upon return from leave.
Department Press release here. Full Statutory Instrument here
Congress International Women's Day statement refers to the tranpsosition.
More on your parental leave rights here
Congress also issued joint statement with Start Strong and the National Women's Council
