Minister wants parents of newborns to get a year of paid leave

Roderic O'Gorman was speaking as legislation was passed to allow women who undergo treatment for cancer or other serious illnesses to postpone their maternity leave until their treatment is complete

Currently, mothers are offered 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, while fathers are entitled to two weeks of paternity leave. File photo

The children's minister wants to see a full year of paid leave rolled out to the parents of newborn children.

Roderic O'Gorman has also said that his party will be campaigning to increase the rate of State payments received by parents who take this leave.