Parental leave plan ‘must not alter existing rights’

Any Government plans to allow parents to share up to year’s leave after having a baby must not dilute the existing 26 weeks guaranteed leave for mothers.

The National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) made the call after reports that an inter-departmental group is considering putting forward new parental leave rules for couples.

Under measures revealed by the Irish Examiner on Monday, the Coalition is discussing whether to double the amount of leave a mother has after having a baby, and allowing her to split this increased time off with her partner.