Ó Ríordáin heralds progress on paternity leave as major advancement for equality
Minister of State for Equality, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has welcomed today’s cabinet decision to give the green light for two weeks paid paternity leave.
Speaking following the announcement, the Labour Party Minister said:
“I first raised the need for the introduction of paid paternity leave in September 2014, speaking at an event hosted by Startstrong and I have consistently worked hard to make it a reality.
“My comments were echoed by the Tánaiste at the Labour Party Conference in February 2015 when she gave a commitment that we would introduce this measure in Budget 2016.
“Today, the Cabinet gave the green light to this proposal which will hopefully come into effect by September of this year.
“The introduction of this payment will allow fathers to spend time with their child during those crucial early days and shows how the Labour Party in Government is delivering for young families.
“Labour is the party that is standing up for working families and if we are re-elected to Government we will extend paid parental leave by 3 months over the next five years as well as reducing the cost of childcare to €2 per hour, for up to 40 hours per week by 2021.”