Paternity leave should only be the first step

We are a coalition of organisations and individuals seeking to advance children’s early care and education in Ireland and are delighted at the introduction of two weeks’ paid paternity leave.

The move is a crucial step on the way to family leave policies that are in the best interests of all young children, and that would bring Ireland into line with best international practice.

The Government’s measures to legislate for two weeks’ paid paternity leave, is the State’s first recognition of the role of fathers in the care of young children. At last our Government is catching up with families.