Parental leave is an important legal entitlement in Ireland, providing parents with the right to take time off work to care for their child. As an employer, it is crucial to understand the details of parental leave, the associated entitlement pay, and the HR procedures involved to ensure compliance and support your employees during this significant life event. This guide will help you navigate the process smoothly, especially in small businesses. 

Parental leave in Ireland is governed by the Parental Leave Acts 1998-2019, which give parents the right to take time off work to care for their child. Here is a breakdown of the key aspects: 

• Duration of Parental Leave: Employees are entitled to 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave per child. This leave can be taken by either parent (mother or father) or both, but the total amount of leave per child is 26 weeks in total for both parents. 

• Eligibility: Employees are entitled to parental leave if they have at least one year of continuous service with their employer. Employees can take parental leave until the child turns 12 years old, or 16 years old for children with disabilities. 

• Notice Requirements: Employees must provide their employer with at least 6 weeks’ written notice before they intend to take parental leave. The leave can be taken in one block or divided into smaller periods, but the total leave time should not exceed 26 weeks. 

Parental leave in Ireland is generally unpaid; however, employees may be eligible for Parental Leave Benefit (PLB), which is a government payment.  

Parental Leave Benefit is paid by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to eligible employees who take unpaid parental leave. However, this benefit is available only if the employee is on reduced working hours or has been off work for a certain period while on parental leave.  

Eligibility for PLB:

• The employee must have been in insurable employment for a certain number of weeks. 

• The employee must apply for Parental Leave Benefit from the Department of Social Protection. 

The amount of the benefit is based on the employee’s PRSI contributions, similar to Maternity Benefit or Paternity Benefit. The employee can claim up to 7 weeks of Parental Leave Benefit, which is paid at a set weekly rate.  

Employers are not required to pay employees during parental leave unless specified in their employment contract or Company policy. However, some businesses may choose to offer enhanced parental leave pay as an additional benefit to employees, which might include full or partial pay during the leave period. 

For small businesses in Ireland, it is essential to have clear HR procedures to manage parental leave and ensure compliance with Irish employment law. Here is how you can manage the process: 

Employees must provide at least six weeks’ notice before taking parental leave. As an employer, you should: 

• Request written notice from the employee, specifying the intended start and end dates for the parental leave. 

• Confirm the leave in writing and discuss with the employee any adjustments that may be necessary to accommodate the leave period. 

• Parental Leave Application: Employees must submit a formal parental leave request at least six weeks before the leave starts. This request should include the dates they intend to take off. 

• Parental Leave Benefit Claim: If the employee wishes to claim Parental Leave Benefit (PLB), they must submit the relevant application to the Department of Social Protection. You should ask the employee to provide evidence of this application or payment to ensure proper record-keeping. 

While parental leave itself is unpaid, some employees may be eligible for Parental Leave Benefit (PLB). If your Company provides enhanced pay, ensure that it is in line with your Company’s policies, and that payroll records are adjusted accordingly. 

• PLB Payments: If the employee is eligible for PLB, the payment will be made by the Department of Social Protection, but it is important to track this for your records. 

• Employer Contributions: Some employers may choose to supplement the PLB or provide full or partial pay during the leave period, depending on the terms of their contracts or company policies. 

Employees are entitled to return to the same position they held before taking parental leave. To facilitate a smooth return, consider the following: 

• Schedule a return-to-work interview with the employee to discuss their transition back into the workplace and any adjustments needed. 

• Ensure that any health and safety requirements are met, if necessary, especially for employees returning after a long period of leave.  

For small businesses in Ireland, managing parental leave can be a bit challenging due to limited staff and resources. Here are a few tips to streamline the process: 

• Plan Ahead: Encourage employees to notify you as early as possible about their intention to take parental leave. This will give you time to plan for any temporary replacements or shifts in duties. 

• Cross-Training: Cross-train employees to ensure there is coverage for essential tasks during the employee’s parental leave. 

• Clear Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with employees about the notice period, documentation, and any Company policies related to parental leave. 

If you are unsure about the specifics of parental leave or need assistance with managing HR procedures for small businesses, do not hesitate to seek professional advice from HR experts. This ensures compliance with Irish employment laws and helps you manage your workforce effectively. 

At Employers Advice, we understand the challenges that come with managing parental leave and ensuring compliance with Irish employment law. Our free HR advice line is available to assist Irish employers with parental leave procedures, managing employee rights, and ensuring you stay on track with your HR practices. Whether you are a small business or a growing enterprise, we are here to support you with expert advice and guidance. 

In Ireland, employees are entitled to 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave per child. This leave can be taken until the child turns 12 years old or 16 years old if the child has a disability. 

Parental leave is generally unpaid in Ireland. However, employees may be eligible for Parental Leave Benefit (PLB) from the Department of Social Protection, which is a government payment based on the employee’s PRSI contributions.

To apply for Parental Leave Benefit, employees must submit an application to the Department of Social Protection. They will need to meet the necessary PRSI contributions criteria, and they must inform their employer of their intention to apply for the benefit. 

Yes, parental leave can be taken in smaller periods rather than in a single block. However, the total duration cannot exceed 26 weeks per child. 

Yes, employees are entitled to return to their original job or a similar position after taking parental leave. Their terms and conditions of employment must remain unchanged. 

At Employers Advice, we provide comprehensive HR solutions tailored specifically for Irish employers. Our team of HR experts is available 24/7 to offer trusted advice on all aspects of Human Resources management, ensuring you have the support you need to navigate the complexities of Irish employment law and workplace issues. From creating legally compliant contracts of employment and Company policies to drafting employee handbooks, we ensure your documentation meets all Irish employment standards. Additionally, we specialize in assisting with disciplinary procedures, providing guidance to help you manage employee performance and resolve conflicts effectively. With our expert HR consultancy, you can focus on growing your business while we take care of your HR needs, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and peace of mind every step of the way. 

WRC – Home Page