New parents will get two weeks paid parental leave during their baby's first year from later this year
Under new plans published today, all new parents in employment or self employment will be entitled to the two week scheme.
It's due to be introduced from November.
Any new parents availing of the scheme will receive the same benefit as maternity or paternity leave - €245 per week.
The Government is planning to extend the scheme up to seven weeks over the next three years.
The bill, which will benefit up to 60,000 parents a year, will also enable male same-sex couples to receive adoptive leave and benefit.
Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty suggested "parents, children and society in general" will benefit.
She explained: "Firstly, in that formative first year of life, children now have the opportunity to spend more time with both parents. Secondly, on top of the recently introduced Paternity Benefit, this extends the leave benefits available to fathers.
“Crucially this new benefit is non-transferable and is available on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis. This, I hope, will help to incentivise fathers to take more time off work to care for their children than has been the case up to now."
