The Campaign
Extend Paternity Leave in Ireland: From 2 Weeks to 8
Irish fathers get just 2 weeks of statutory paternity leave, unchanged since 2016. 8 Weeks for Families is the grassroots petition asking the Oireachtas to change that.
What the petition asks for
- Extend statutory paternity leave from 2 weeks to 8 weeks
- Non-transferable, per-father entitlement so it is actually used
- Retain the State benefit so no family is priced out of taking it
- Bring Ireland in line with European norms
Why this matters
Two weeks is barely enough time to recover from the birth, let alone bond as a family. By the time a father returns to work, the sleepless nights have hardly begun and one parent is left to carry it all alone.
Peer-reviewed research links longer paternity leave to better child development, reduced postnatal depression in mothers, stronger relationships, and more equal sharing of childcare. Employers benefit too: higher retention, lower absenteeism, better morale.
How you can help
- Sign the petition — it takes under 30 seconds.
- Email your TD using our one-click tool with a pre-written message.
- Share the campaign with three people who would care.
- Ask your employer to publicly support the reform.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 8 Weeks for Families petition?+
A grassroots Irish petition asking the Oireachtas to extend statutory paternity leave from 2 weeks to 8 weeks, bringing Ireland in line with European norms.
Why 8 weeks specifically?+
Eight weeks lands Ireland squarely in the European mainstream: still well short of Iceland or Spain, but enough to meaningfully change outcomes for families. Research shows 6+ weeks is where the developmental and mental-health benefits become significant.
Who is behind this petition?+
The campaign was started by Irish parents and grew out of Lads2Dads, a peer-support community for fathers in Cork. It is not affiliated with any political party.
What happens when the petition reaches 10,000 signatures?+
It will be formally presented to the Oireachtas, and to Ministers Norma Foley TD and Dara Calleary TD, calling on the Government to legislate for extended paternity leave.
Add your name
Every signature strengthens the case we bring to the Oireachtas. Join nearly 2,000 Irish families.
Sign the petition