Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Poll: Should paternity leave be mandatory for fathers?

Over 27,000 fathers have availed of paternity leave so far.

daniela-rey-357048 Unsplash Unsplash

UP UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2016, fathers in Ireland only received paternity leave at the discretion of their employer.

Since then however, over 27,000 fathers have benefited from a statutory paternity leave initiative which includes two optional weeks off work within six months of their child’s birth, along with a payment of €235 each week, under the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016.

Although definitive figures have yet to be released, a spokesperson for the Department of Social Protection said uptake is predicted to be lower than that of maternity leave.

“It is expected that there will be approximately 30,000 paternity benefit claims paid in 2017, which would equate to approximately 70 per cent of the number of maternity benefit claims for last year (based on the latest available figures),” the spokesperson added.

Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune said the figures were “not a bad start,” and added that while she’d be reluctant to make paternity leave mandatory, a “use it or lose it” approach could work to increase uptake.

So, tell us – do you think paternity leave should be mandatory for fathers?


Poll Results:

Absolutely (121)
No, it should be optional (88)
I'm not sure (4)

Want to win six Irish Book Award-nominated new reads? Enter here. Don’t forget to like TheJournal.ie’s Family Magazine on Facebook and Twitter too!

Close
Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maniac 2000
    Favourite Maniac 2000
    Report
    Sep 8th 2024, 8:35 PM

    Came onto say that the monthly cap is €80 so look into that. Also, you can claim 20% back on your tax for the last 4 years so definitely look into that! If you pay €100 every month that’s €240 alone you can get. Look into batch cooking too – saves me a fortune. You are doing great, hopefully all works out with the bank. I liked this diary

    235
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cflood
    Favourite Cflood
    Report
    Sep 8th 2024, 8:41 PM

    Very honest tale of life and recovery. I Wish you well

    176
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steve Chalk
    Favourite Steve Chalk
    Report
    Sep 8th 2024, 10:17 PM

    Very few people have anywhere near 3 times their salary saved into their pension by 40!

    95
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Parker
    Favourite Sean Parker
    Report
    Sep 8th 2024, 8:04 PM

    DPS cap on prescriptions is 80e if you’re not signed up.

    81
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute rt
    Favourite rt
    Report
    Sep 8th 2024, 9:19 PM

    after such a fascinating description of a rich, boring life, I know why you’re getting divorced ;)

    54
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maniac 2000
    Favourite Maniac 2000
    Report
    Sep 8th 2024, 9:26 PM

    @rt: why do people feel the need to bring other people down. If you’ve nothing good to say, say nothing. It’s not easy going from dual income/responsibility to solo income/responsibility and the worry about the bank.

    431
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John K
    Favourite John K
    Report
    Sep 8th 2024, 9:29 PM

    @rt: looking forward to your diary, I’m sure we’ll all be green with envy reading about your exciting midweek adventures with women throwing themselves at you and all sorts of antics. It’ll probably be like reading a James Bond novel!

    172
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciaran
    Favourite Ciaran
    Report
    Sep 8th 2024, 10:03 PM

    @John K: he also taught Elvis how to play karate

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jim
    Favourite Jim
    Report
    Sep 9th 2024, 12:41 AM

    Are people still buying this bůllshït.

    Absolute drivel

    This must have been written using a GPT.

    Who comes up with this absolute fantasy. Can’t believe someone is paid to come up with this claptrap.

    Journalism? More like fiction writers

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ollie McGlinchey
    Favourite Ollie McGlinchey
    Report
    Sep 9th 2024, 2:34 PM

    Who cares?

    5
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel