Joan Burton to campaign for three months additional paid parental leave

The Labour leader says she will be campaigning in the election for three months of additional paid parental leave.

Joan Burton's announced tonight that the measure, which will be split between parents, will form part of Labour's manifesto.

She has also welcomed moves by Fine Gael to adopt many Labour-style policies for its own manifesto.

Fine Gael's considering plans to pay an increased wage to the unemployed after they take on work, but the Tánaiste says she is not worried about Fine Gael eating into her vote.

"No, I absolutely welcome Fine Gael so clearly demonstrating that they favour the minimum wage.

"They favour regular increases in the minimum wage and of course their position is slightly different to ours, in that we want to actually see a move over a period of time, initially on a voluntary basis, to a living wage."