Parental leave in Ireland (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Maternity leave is 26 weeks plus up to 16 weeks of additional leave, and Maternity Benefit is EUR 299 a week for 26 weeks. Paternity leave is 2 weeks and parent's leave is 9 weeks for each parent. Employees keep the right to return to the same job.

RuleWhat applies
Maternity leaveTaking parental leaveAn employee is entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave and up to 16 more weeks of additional maternity leave straight afterwards. At least 2 weeks must be taken before the baby is due and at least 4 weeks after the birth. Full-time, casual and part-time employees qualify, and length of service does not matter. The law is the Maternity Protection Acts 1994 and 2004. [1]
Paternity leaveTaking parental leavePaternity leave is 2 weeks. It can start any time in the first 6 months after the birth or adoption, and only one period of 2 weeks applies for twins. Written notice is due at least 4 weeks before the leave. Employed and self-employed people qualify, whatever their length of service. The law is the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016. [2]
Parental leaveTaking parental leaveParent's leave is 9 weeks for each parent in the first 2 years of the child's life (or after adoption placement), taken in one block or in blocks of at least one week, with at least 6 weeks' notice. Parental leave is a further 26 weeks of unpaid leave for each child before the child's 12th birthday (16 if the child has a disability), generally after 1 year with the employer, with 6 weeks' notice. [3]
Pay during leaveTaking parental leaveMaternity Benefit is EUR 299 a week for 26 weeks if the PRSI conditions are met. Paternity Benefit (2 weeks) and Parent's Benefit (9 weeks) are also EUR 299 a week at the standard rate. Employers do not have to pay during maternity, paternity, parent's or parental leave, but a contract may give a top-up. Parental leave has no state benefit. The standard weekly rate of each benefit rises by EUR 10 in January 2027. [4]
Job protectionTaking parental leaveDuring maternity leave and additional maternity leave an employee is treated as being in employment and has the right to return to the same job on the same contract, or if that is too difficult, to suitable alternative work on terms not less favourable. Maternity legislation protects against unfair dismissal. Paternity leave gives the same right to return and protection against penalisation and unfair dismissal. During parental leave, employment rights are protected apart from pay and pension contributions. [1]

Notes

  • Citizens Information says the standard weekly rate of Maternity, Paternity and Parent's Benefit will rise by EUR 10 in January 2027.

Sources

  1. Citizens Information Board: Maternity leave (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Citizens Information Board: Paternity leave (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. Citizens Information Board: Parent's leave (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  4. Department of Social Protection (gov.ie): Maternity Benefit (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.