Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
566. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a list of the illnesses acceptable when producing a medical certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner in order to postpone paternity leave in event of sickness under the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22596/23]
View answerUnder the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016, a relevant parent can avail of 2 weeks leave within 26 weeks of the child’s birth, or in the case of adoption, their child’s placement. The parent may also qualify for Paternity Benefit. The entitlement applies to the father of the child; the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the mother of the child; the parent of a donor-conceived child within the meaning of the provisions of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015; and, in the case of adoption, the parent who is not the qualifying adopter for the purposes of Adoptive Leave.
Under Part 2, Section 11 of the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016, the parent may postpone paternity leave should they become sick prior to the commencement of their paternity leave. Notice must be given in writing to the employer as soon as possible, and a medical certificate signed by a medical practitioner must be provided. The legislation does not set out any requirements as to the nature of the sickness.
