Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2026
113. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will address important matters raised in correspondence from a person in County Kildare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6749/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaternity Benefit is paid for two weeks to persons on Paternity Leave within 26 weeks of the birth or adoption of their child. When making an application for Paternity Benefit, whether online or by post, the child’s Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) is not required, and it is not requested as part of the application process. Decisions on Paternity Benefit can, and often are, made prior to the birth of the child.
Parent’s Benefit is paid for nine weeks which can be taken in blocks of minimum one week from the date of birth of the child to their second birthday, or for the two years following the date of placement in case of adoption. Applications for Parent’s Benefit require the child’s PPSN to validate both the birth of the child and the potential period of entitlement. The PPSN ensures that the leave and payment are correctly associated with the relevant child.
A PPSN is automatically allocated to a child born in the State once the birth is registered with the General Register Office (GRO) within 3 months of the birth.
If a customer takes Parent’s Leave before receiving the child’s PPSN, they must apply for Parents Benefit within 6 months of taking their Parents Leave, and in all cases before the child’s second birthday.
Customers can contact the Paternity Benefit and Parent’s Benefit sections in my Department if they have queries about their claim. Contact details are available on the Government's website.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
