FG O'Reilly backs extending Parental Leave from two weeks to five

'There is no doubt that such a measure will have a positive impact on life for all families in Cavan, including those with children born in the last 10 months'- Fine Gael's Joe O'Reilly

A proposal to extend Parent’s Leave from two weeks to five weeks for mothers and fathers will have a positive impact on Cavan families, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Joe O’Reilly welcomed the Government proposal to examine advancing the extension of the period of Parent’s Leave and Benefit by three weeks for each parent and to include every eligible parent of a child born since November 1 last year.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for children and parents, with many families in Cavan experiencing significant stress due to the lack of family support and childcare,” said Sen O'Reilly, who was recently appointed Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Trade Defense and Brexit by party Leader Leo Varadkar.

“I and my colleagues in Government are extremely sympathetic to the families who have had their lives disrupted, and that is why we are looking at options to enable them to spend more time with their children.

“This proposal will examine extending the period in which Parent’s Leave can be taken for those currently eligible to November 2021. At present, it must be taken within the first year of the child’s life.

“The full implications of these proposals will be examined by my Government colleagues in the coming weeks.

“There is no doubt that such a measure will have a positive impact on life for all families in Cavan, including those with children born in the last 10 months.”

Sen O'Reilly pointed to evidence that shows children benefit from being cared for and spending time with both parents when they are very young. “Parent's Leave also gives an opportunity to fathers to take part in the care of their child at this young age,” he said.