Ireland 'lagging behind' EU in parental leave entitlements

Ireland is lagging behind other European countries when it comes to parental leave.

A conference is taking place today where the issue will be discussed, ahead of the publication of the Family Leave Bill.

The Minister for Justice is due to attend the event this morning, to hear calls for greater parity with our European counterparts.

The Director of the National Women's Council, Orla O'Connor, explained some of the differences.

"Over 20 EU countries have paternity leave, father's leave, of two weeks or more, and Ireland has no father's leave, so that's one of the things that we're saying the Family Leave Bill should have," she said.

"And similarly, in terms of paid parental leave, Ireland again lags behind, over 18 EU countries have paid parental leave."

Fathers employed in the civil service are entitled to a period of leave with pay for three days.