Paternity leave

Eligible parents can take paternity leave to care for a child following birth or adoption.

Length of paternity leave

You are entitled to 2 weeks of paternity leave. You must take this leave within the first 6 months after the child is born. If you adopt a child, you must also take your paternity leave within the first 6 months of the adoption.

Parents who are eligible for paternity leave

Relevant parents

Only 1 person who is a relevant parent of a child is entitled to paternity leave.

Relevant parents are :

• father
• mother's spouse, civil partner or cohabitant (regardless of gender)
• parent of a donor-conceived child

For an adopted child, the leave applies to:

• spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the adopting mother or sole male adopter of the child
• for married same‑sex couples - the couple may choose which spouse will be the relevant parent

Payment while on paternity leave

You may be eligible for paternity benefit while on paternity leave. This is paid by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP).

Paternity benefit is paid at the same rate as maternity benefit. It is based on the same PRSI contribution requirements.

If you're applying for paternity benefit, you must have your paternity leave certified by your line manager.

Send your manager the PB2: Employer Certificate (PDF, 307 KB, 3 pages).

As a HSE employee, you are entitled to your basic salary plus normal fixed allowances. We will deduct the amount of DEASP benefit you are entitled to from this.

Your HSE paternity leave payment will not include additional payment for:

• night work
• overtime
• shift work
• working unsociable hours
• on-call allowances

Get more information about paternity benefits on the paternity benefit section of the DEASP website.

Starting your paternity leave

You can decide when you want to start your paternity leave. You will need to tell your line manager the dates you are taking your leave.

You cannot begin your paternity leave before the mother's due date, or the day of placement for adoption.

Your paternity leave must begin within the first 6 months after the due date or adoption placement.

Postponing your paternity leave

You can postpone your leave if:

• the due date or the date of adoption placement has changed
• you become sick before your paternity leave starts
• your child is in hospital

Fixed-term and specified purpose contracts

If you are on a fixed-term or specified purpose contract, your paternity leave entitlement will end when the contract is finished.

Employment protection

While you’re on paternity leave, you’re still considered an HSE employee and treated as if you haven’t been away. Taking paternity leave does not affect your employment rights.

Returning to work

You have the right to return to the same job when your paternity leave ends. The return date on your application form may change if your leave was postponed.

How to apply

You must tell your line manager in writing that you plan to take paternity leave. Do this as early as possible, and no later than 4 weeks before the mother’s expected due date.

If you are adopting a child, you must also notify your line manager in writing as soon as you can, and no later than 4 weeks before the expected placement date.

Apply for paternity leave on HR and Payroll Self Service.

You must apply for payment through the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP). See payment while on paternity leave.

Related document

Paternity Leave Circular 003/2017 (PDF, 95 KB, 2 pages)