Employers gear up to implement paternity leave legislation

By Echo Reporter

SOUTH Dublin Chamber have distributed information to members surrounding new paternity leave legislation, on behalf of Chambers Ireland.

Paternity leave legislation passed through the Oireachtas and paternity leave benefit will take effect from September 1, 2016.

Under the legislation, fathers will be entitled to get two week’s leave with a social protection benefit of €230 a week (the same level as standard state maternity leave).

Employees must give a notice period as soon as reasonably practicable, or not later than four weeks before the due date.

Leave can be taken at any time from the date of birth or placement in the case of adoption (but not before) until 26 weeks thereafter.

Employers will be obliged to maintain paternity leave records.

Self-employed will be eligible for the benefit on the same basis as for maternity leave – 52 weeks PRSI contributions in the relevant tax year.

Employers will be under no statutory obligations to continue to pay the normal salary during paternity leave.

Employers will have the option to provide a top-up payment to the father’s regular salary.

However, if an employer currently tops-up maternity leave benefit, they could potentially be at risk of gender discrimination claim if they do not do so for paternity leave.

That issue remains unclear and will be tested when the legislation comes into effect.