Maternity and Parental Leave in Ireland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Irish Acts of the Oireachtas, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
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: €299 per week for 26 weeks (rate from January 2026, up from €289; paid by the Department of Social Protection, subject to PRSI contributions).
- Paternity leave: 2 weeks at €299/week (Paternity Benefit, January 2026 rate).
- Parent's leave: 9 weeks for each parent, to be taken before the child turns 2. Parent's Benefit is €299/week (January 2026 rate).
- 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.
Notice timing matrix — when notice and forms are due:
- Maternity leave (Maternity Protection Act 1994, s. 9): notify employer in writing at least 4 weeks before leave starts; supply medical certificate of expected week of confinement.
- Paternity leave (Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016, s. 9): notify employer in writing at least 4 weeks before leave starts; specify the start date (must fall within 26 weeks of the birth or placement).
- Parent's leave (Parent's Leave and Benefit Act 2019, s. 12): notify employer in writing at least 6 weeks before leave starts; specify the dates and duration of each block.
- Parental leave (Parental Leave Acts 1998–2019, s. 8): notify employer in writing at least 6 weeks before leave starts; employer may postpone by up to 6 months for substantial business reasons.
Department of Social Protection benefit forms:
- MB1 — Maternity Benefit application form. Submit (online via mywelfare.ie or paper) at least 6 weeks before maternity leave starts (12 weeks if self-employed). Includes the medical certifier's section completed by your GP/obstetrician.
- MB2 — Employer Certificate confirming you are entitled to maternity leave under the Maternity Protection Acts; the employer completes and returns this. Required to release Maternity Benefit payments.
- MB3 — Medical Certificate (used for postponement of maternity leave during hospitalisation of the child, or for early commencement on medical grounds).
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 to Do If Your Employer Is Denying Maternity or Parental Leave in Ireland
- Notify your employer in writing at least 4 weeks before your maternity leave starts. Provide a medical certificate confirming the expected week of confinement. (Paternity: 4 weeks; parent's leave: 6 weeks; parental leave: 6 weeks.)
- Apply for Maternity Benefit (form MB1) at least 6 weeks before your leave — apply online at mywelfare.ie. The 2026 standard rate is €299 per week for 26 weeks.
- Have your employer complete form MB2 to confirm your entitlement to maternity leave under the Maternity Protection Acts — DSP requires this before releasing benefit payments.
- 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.
Common Questions
How much maternity leave am I entitled to in Ireland?
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 is 299 euros per week for 26 weeks (rate from January 2026), subject to having at least 39 weeks of PRSI contributions in the 12 months before the first day of leave. Submit form MB1 at least 6 weeks before leave starts; your employer completes form MB2 to confirm entitlement.
What is the difference between parent's leave and parental leave in Ireland?
Parent's leave is 9 weeks for each parent, paid at 299 euros per week (January 2026 rate), to be taken before the child turns 2 — non-transferable between parents. Parental leave is 26 weeks unpaid per child, to be taken before the child turns 12. Paternity leave is a separate 2 weeks at 299 euros per week within the first 6 months after birth. Notice timing: maternity 4 weeks before, paternity 4 weeks before, parent's leave 6 weeks before, parental leave 6 weeks before.
Can I be dismissed while on maternity leave in Ireland?
No. Dismissal connected to pregnancy or maternity leave is automatically unfair, with no qualifying period needed. You also have the right to return to the same job afterwards, or a suitable alternative if that is not reasonably practicable. You are entitled to paid time off for antenatal appointments and for breastfeeding in the workplace for up to 2 years after birth.
When does it apply — maternity and parental leave?
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 I do if my employer is refusing to give me maternity or parental leave in Ireland?
Notify your employer in writing at least 4 weeks before your maternity leave starts. Provide a medical certificate confirming the expected week of confinement. (Paternity: 4 weeks; parent's leave: 6 weeks; parental leave: 6 weeks.)Apply for Maternity Benefit (form MB1) at least 6 weeks before your leave — apply online at mywelfare.ie. The 2026 standard rate is €299 per week for 26 weeks.Have your employer complete form MB2 to confirm your entitlement to maternity leave under the Maternity Protection Acts — DSP requires this before releasing benefit payments.You have the right to return to the...
What should you NOT do — maternity and parental leave?
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.