Paternity Leave Update

The Department of Education and Skills has published the following update on Paternity Leave for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants

With effect from the 01 September 2016, Teachers and Special Needs Assistants will be entitled to revised Paternity Leave Entitlements as follows:

• a period of two consecutive weeks paid leave will be available to a relevant parent on the birth/adoption of a child , where the date of birth/date of placement of the child falls on or after 01 September 2016.

A circular letter in relation to this will be published shortly. All teachers and special needs assistants who wish to avail of this leave are advised that they must apply to their employer in writing four weeks in advance of intending to take such leave.

Class A, E, and H PRSI contributors may be entitled to Paternity Benefit, further information is available from the Department of Social Protection website.