Essential points

  • The Maternity Protection Acts 1994 to 2002 provide protection for employees on maternity leave. 
  • The entitlements under the Adoptive Leave Acts 1995 and 2005 broadly mirror those of the maternity legislation.
  • Under the Paternity Leave and Benefits Act 2016, a relevant parent is entitled to two continuous weeks' paid leave. 
  • The Parent's Leave and Benefit Act 2019 gives each parent of a young child the right to parent's leave and a corresponding social insurance benefit called Parent's Benefit.

Content

Members access only

Unlock exclusive, tailored content and resources, just for members.

Sign in to access

Not a member yet? Find out how you can become a member today!

Please note

While every care has been taken in compiling this content, neither the CIPD nor Byrne Wallace may be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice.

 

Employment
law advice

Want more employment law advice? Members can take out a discounted subscription to HR-inform for additional resources.

HR-inform Ireland
Callout Image

CIPD HR-inform

Access over 500 customisable contracts, policies, letters, case law, and other HR tools, with CIPD members enjoying a 50% discount.

Find out more

More on this topic

woman working on computer
Case study
Case study: returning to work after maternity and a period of self-employment

This Chartered Member describes the challenges of finding a suitable role

More employment law resources

Employment law
Ireland employment law developments

A summary of the key legal developments facing employers in Ireland in 2024

Employment law
Bullying: Ireland employment law

Information on the Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work 2020

For Members
Employment law
Data protection: Ireland employment law

Information on how data protection impacts on Irish employment law, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2018

For Members
Employment law
Discipline and grievance: Ireland employment law

Information on the law relating to discipline and grievance procedures, including the statutory Code of Practice that covers the stages required in dealing with grievance and disciplinary matters and the sanctions allowed under the Code from an oral warning to dismissal, warnings and disciplinary hearings

For Members