Increase in paid maternity leave comes into effect today

A four-week increase in paid maternity leave for new mothers is coming into effect from today.

The change will allow mothers to take 26 weeks of paid leave, as well as an additional 16 weeks of unpaid leave.

Social and Family Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan says the increase is a central element in the Government's childcare strategy and will benefit an estimated 43,000 women over the next 12 months.