Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1587. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Social Protection whether his Department collects data on the uptake of paternity and parent's leave by fathers and other parents, including the latest figures available on the percentage of eligible fathers availing of these entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1908/26]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection administers Parent's Benefit and Paternity Benefit. These payments are for individuals who are availing of Parent's leave or Paternity leave, and who are covered by the appropriate Social Insurance (PRSI) Contributions. My Department does not monitor uptake of Paternity or Parental leave. Matters relating to Paternity, and Parental leave, as distinct from the payment of social protection benefits, are proper to the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality.
My Department publishes quarterly statistics, which details the number of people who receive Paternity Benefit and Parent's Benefit payments on its website. Recipient numbers for these payments in Quarter 3 of 2025 are set out in the table below.
|
Quarter 3 2025 |
Recipients |
|
Parent's Benefit |
30,597 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
8,540 |
