Parents in Ireland will next year get extra paid-leave when they have a baby

Good news for mums and dads!

The forthcoming Budget 2019 will announce that new parents are to get an extra two weeks each paid leave in the first year of their baby's life. Payment will be in-line with the current €240 a week but is not transferable between parents (meaning a mum or dad can't individually take the four weeks). Independent.ie reports: "A source close to Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty said it will help parents struggling with childcare before a child's first birthday." Mums are already currently entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave, while dads get two weeks of paternity leave. An additional 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave can be taken before the child's eighth birthday. About two-thirds of new dads avail of their leave. This additional entitlement probably won't kick-in for another year (end of 2019), however, it's certainly a welcomed move from the Government. Fianna Fáil is currently campaigning for the 26 weeks maternity leave entitlement to be shared between parents.