Maternity and Parental Leave
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Irish Acts of the Oireachtas, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
Irish National Law
What is this right?
Pregnant employees in Ireland are entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave, with the option of an additional 16 weeks unpaid. Leave must start no later than 2 weeks before the expected due date.
- Maternity Benefit: €289 per week for 26 weeks (paid by the Department of Social Protection, subject to PRSI contributions).
- Paternity leave: 2 weeks at €289/week (Paternity Benefit).
- Parent's leave: 9 weeks for each parent, to be taken before the child turns 2. Parent's Benefit is €289/week.
- Parental leave: 26 weeks unpaid per child, to be taken before the child turns 12.
You must have at least 2 weeks left on your contract at the start of maternity leave to qualify for statutory leave.
When does it apply?
- Maternity leave is available to all pregnant employees from the start of employment — there is no minimum service period for the leave itself.
- Maternity Benefit requires at least 39 weeks of PRSI contributions in the 12 months before the first day of leave, or 39 weeks in a relevant tax year.
- Paternity leave is available to employed and self-employed fathers (or the partner of the mother) within the first 6 months after birth or placement for adoption.
- Parent's leave is a separate entitlement — both parents each get 9 weeks, and it is non-transferable between parents.
What should you do?
- Notify your employer in writing at least 4 weeks before your maternity leave starts. Provide a medical certificate confirming the expected week of confinement.
- Apply for Maternity Benefit at least 6 weeks before your leave — apply online at mywelfare.ie.
- You have the right to return to the same job after maternity leave, or a suitable alternative if that is not reasonably practicable.
- You are entitled to paid time off for antenatal appointments. Fathers or partners also get paid time off for the 2 final antenatal appointments.
- If you are breastfeeding, you are entitled to time off or a reduction in hours for breastfeeding in the workplace for up to 2 years after birth.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't delay notifying your employer — late notification can affect your entitlements.
- Don't accept being sidelined — reducing your duties or excluding you from promotion because of pregnancy or family leave is discrimination.
- Don't assume dismissal during maternity leave is automatic — dismissal connected to pregnancy is automatically unfair, with no qualifying period needed.
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