Updated July 2026
Paternity Leave in Ireland 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Irish fathers are entitled to 2 weeks of statutory paternity leave, paid at the flat rate of €299 per week (2026). This page explains exactly what you are entitled to, how to apply, and why nearly 2,000 Irish families are calling for it to be extended to 8 weeks.
Key facts at a glance
- Duration: 2 weeks, single unbroken block
- Pay: €299/week State Paternity Benefit (2026)
- When: Any time in the first 26 weeks after birth or placement
- Notice: At least 4 weeks to your employer
- Who: Fathers, same-sex partners of the mother, and partners of an adopting parent
Who qualifies
Paternity leave is available from your first day of employment. There is no minimum service requirement for the leave itself, but you must meet PRSI contribution conditions to receive State Paternity Benefit.
It applies to employees and self-employed workers, and to fathers, same-sex partners of the mother, and the partner of an adopting parent.
How to apply for paternity leave in Ireland
- Notify your employer in writing at least 4 weeks before you want the leave to start. State your chosen start date.
- Apply for State Paternity Benefit via MyWelfare.ie at least 4 weeks before the leave starts. Employees complete form PB2; self-employed workers complete PB3.
- Provide a medical certificate confirming the expected week of birth (or a certificate of placement for adoption).
- Take the leave as a single unbroken block of 2 weeks, within 26 weeks of the birth or placement.
Official source: Citizens Information.
Why 2 weeks is not enough
Ireland's paternity leave has not increased since it was introduced in 2016. Spain gives fathers 19 weeks at full pay. Iceland gives 6 months. Norway gives up to 19 weeks at 80 to 100% of salary. Sweden ringfences 90 days per parent inside a 480-day shared pot.
Two weeks is barely enough to recover from the birth, let alone bond as a family. Peer-reviewed research links longer paternity leave to better child development, stronger relationships, and reduced postnatal depression in mothers.
Frequently asked questions
How much paternity leave do fathers get in Ireland in 2026?+
Two weeks. Paternity leave in Ireland is 2 weeks in 2026, unchanged since it was introduced in 2016. It is paid at the State Paternity Benefit rate of €299 per week.
How much is paternity pay in Ireland in 2026?+
State Paternity Benefit is €299 per week in 2026. That is a flat rate, well below the average Irish wage. A minority of employers top up to full salary.
When can fathers take paternity leave in Ireland?+
Any time in the first 26 weeks after the birth or adoption placement. It must be taken as a single unbroken block of 2 weeks.
How do I apply for paternity leave in Ireland?+
Give your employer at least 4 weeks' written notice of your start date. Apply for State Paternity Benefit via MyWelfare.ie at least 4 weeks before your leave starts, using form PB2.
Is Ireland's paternity leave changing?+
Not yet. There is a live grassroots petition (8 Weeks for Families) asking the Oireachtas to extend statutory paternity leave from 2 weeks to 8 weeks, bringing Ireland in line with the European mainstream.
Help extend it to 8 weeks
The 8 Weeks for Families petition calls on the Oireachtas to extend paternity leave from 2 weeks to 8. It takes 30 seconds to sign.
Sign the petition