Key takeaway
Mothers are entitled to 26 weeks maternity leave with an option for 16 more unpaid. Fathers and partners get 2 weeks paternity leave. Both can claim Benefit payments from the DSP.
Key things to know
- Maternity Leave: 26 weeks paid (via Maternity Benefit), plus 16 weeks optional unpaid.
- Paternity Leave: 2 weeks paid (via Paternity Benefit) — must be taken within 6 months of birth or adoption.
- Parent's Leave: 9 weeks each, for both parents, to be taken within the first 2 years.
- Maternity and Paternity Benefit require sufficient PRSI contributions — see our PRSI guide.
- Your employer may top up Benefit payments — check your contract or HR policy.
Maternity Leave
All pregnant employees are entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave, regardless of how long they have worked for their employer or how many hours they work per week. At least 2 weeks must be taken before the expected birth date, and at least 4 weeks after.
You can take a further 16 weeks of additional unpaid maternity leave immediately after the 26 weeks. You must give your employer at least 4 weeks notice of your intention to take additional leave.
Maternity Benefit
Maternity Benefit is a PRSI-based payment from the Department of Social Protection paid during the 26 weeks of paid maternity leave. The rate (2025) is approximately €289 per week — check mywelfare.ie for the current rate. To qualify, you must have sufficient PRSI contributions (generally 39 paid contributions in the 12 months before your baby is due, or 39 contributions in either of the two preceding tax years). Apply at mywelfare.ie at least 6 weeks before your maternity leave begins.
Paternity Leave & Paternity Benefit
Fathers and partners (including same-sex partners) are entitled to 2 weeks of paternity leave, paid via Paternity Benefit at the same rate as Maternity Benefit. It must be taken within 6 months of the birth or adoption. Apply at mywelfare.ie. The same PRSI contribution requirements apply.
Parent's Leave
In addition to maternity and paternity leave, both parents are each entitled to 9 weeks of Parent's Leave, to be taken at any point in the first 2 years of the child's life (or within 2 years of adoption). It is paid via Parent's Benefit at the same rate. This is separate from and in addition to maternity/paternity leave. Apply at mywelfare.ie.
Parental Leave (Unpaid)
Separate from the above, each parent is also entitled to 26 weeks of unpaid Parental Leave to be taken before the child turns 12. This does not attract a payment — it is simply statutory leave. Check your employment contract, as some employers pay during parental leave as an additional benefit.
Adoptive Leave
The adopting parent (or the parent nominated as primary carer in a same-sex adoption) is entitled to 24 weeks of adoptive leave and can claim Adoptive Benefit from the DSP, subject to PRSI contributions.
Sources: citizensinformation.ie, gov.ie, mywelfare.ie
General guidance only. Always verify with official sources — gov.ie, citizensinformation.ie, hse.ie.