Drogheda based Fine Gael Councillor Ejiro O’ Hare Stratton says the extension of parent’s leave and benefit from seven weeks to nine will be a welcome relief to families across County Louth.

“Fine Gael have increased parent’s leave to acknowledge the difficulties faced by families with young children” she said.

“Under these new measures, you can now claim nine weeks' parent’s leave if your child is under the age of two on August 1st, 2024, or if your adopted child has been placed with your family less than two years on 1 August 2024.

“Fine Gael introduced this leave in 2019 with an original bill published by Deputies Charlie Flanagan and David Stanton and MEP Regina Doherty.

“It has been incrementally increased since and Minister Heather Humphreys has worked to ensure parent’s leave has been expanded from two to nine weeks per parent.

“This is a major support for so many families so they can better balance work with family commitments. This measure will be available to both mothers and fathers and will apply to all future parents.

“Parent’s benefit will also increase from seven weeks to nine weeks for each parent if they qualify. Parent’s benefit is paid while you are on parent’s leave from work if you have enough PRSI contributions.

“There is no doubt that such a measure will have a positive impact on life for all families in Louth, especially those with new-born children. “Evidence shows that children benefit from being cared for and spending time with their parents when they are very young.

“Parent's leave also gives an opportunity for fathers to take this leave in addition to their two-week paternity leave, to have a total of 11 weeks off to be involved in the earliest stages of their child’s development.

#“Fine Gael knows parents are working hard, and we will continue to make life easier for families,” Councillor Ejiro O’Hare Stratton