Paternity leave

From 1 September 2016, fathers/partners are entitled to statutory paternity leave of two weeks together with Paternity Benefit. Health service employees will receive their full normal pay (less any social welfare entitlements, where applicable), for the two weeks. 

You can continue to receive Paternity Benefit for any period of your paternity leave spent in a country outside of the Republic of Ireland (EU and Non-EU). 

In the case of adoption, paternity leave may be taken on or up to four weeks after the date of placement.

For further information on entitlements when adopting children see our Adoptive leave section