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Paternity leave is a single period of 2 consecutive weeks to allow the teacher (relevant parent) paid leave to provide, or assist in, the care of the child or to provide support to the mother or adopting parent of the child as the case may be, or both. Paternity Leave may commence at any time from the date of birth or date of placement of the child to 26 weeks thereafter, except where the leave is postponed in the event of hospitalisation of the child.
For further information, please refer to the Paternity Leave Scheme contained in Circular Letter 0054/2019 titled 'Leave Schemes for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools'.
Due to legislative changes, there is an amendment to the Paternity Leave Scheme. Please refer to Information Note TC 0004/2022
All special needs assistants will be entitled to a period of two consecutive weeks paid leave on the birth/adoption of a child, where the date of birth/date of placement falls on or after 1 September 2016.
Due to legislative changes, there is an amendment to the Paternity Leave Scheme for SNAs, contained in Circular 0058/2016 . For further information, please refer to Information Note TC 0005/2022 .
A teacher must complete the Application Form on page 79 of Circular 0054/2019 and submit it to his/her employer at least 4 weeks prior to the planned commencement date.
All special needs assistants who wish to avail of this leave must apply to their employer in writing 4 weeks in advance of intending to take such leave.
Class A, E, and H PRSI contributors may be entitled to Paternity Benefit, further information is available from the Department of Social Protection website.
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