Press & Media Kit
Everything you need to cover the story.
8 Weeks for Families is a grassroots Irish campaign to extend statutory paternity leave from 2 weeks to 8. This kit contains everything journalists, broadcasters, and creators need: facts, comparison data, quotes, logos, and high-resolution images.
Key statistics
Up-to-date figures, refreshed live from the campaign database.
—
Signatures collected
10,000
Goal for Oireachtas presentation
2 weeks
Current Irish paternity leave
8 weeks
What the petition asks for
European comparison
Statutory paternity / father-specific leave across selected European countries.
| Country | Leave for fathers | Pay rate |
|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | 2 weeks | ~€299/week (state benefit) |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 19 weeks | 100% of salary |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | 15–19 weeks | 80–100% of salary |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | 90 days earmarked (480 shared) | ~80% of salary |
| 🇮🇸 Iceland | 6 months | 80% of salary |
Sources: OECD Family Database; Eurofound; national government sources. Last reviewed 2026.
Quotes for use
Free for editorial use. For interview requests with families or organisers, email hello@8weeksforfamilies.ie.
"Two weeks is not enough to recover, to bond, to support a partner through the most physically and emotionally demanding period of her life. Ireland is asking fathers to choose between their job and their family at the exact moment families need them most."
"This isn't about ideology. It's about catching up. Spain offers 19 weeks. Iceland offers six months. Ireland offers two. We can do better, and the evidence says we should."
Brand colours
Use these colours when referencing the campaign in articles, broadcasts, or graphics.
Deep Forest Green
Primary
#0F2D1A
Warm Gold
Accent
#C9A961
Off-White Cream
Background
#FAF7F0
Ireland Red
Highlight
#B83A3A
Downloadable assets
Free for editorial and non-commercial campaign use. Please credit "8 Weeks for Families".
Photograph: Father & Newborn
Quiet documentary portrait of a new dad and his newborn. 35mm film aesthetic. Free for press use with credit.
Download
Photograph: Father & Toddler at Home
Candid lived-in family scene in an Irish home. Reportage style. Free for press use with credit.
Download
Photograph: Father & Baby Hands (B&W)
Intimate black and white close-up. Suitable for opinion pieces and editorial leads.
Download
Campaign Poster: 2 Weeks Is Not Enough
Screen-printed style protest poster. Print-ready, suitable for editorial layouts and shareable graphics.
Download
About the campaign
8 Weeks for Families is a grassroots, non-partisan campaign by Irish parents calling on the Government to extend statutory paternity leave from 2 weeks to 8 weeks. The campaign launched in early 2026 and has gathered — signatures from across all 26 counties.
Ireland's current 2-week entitlement, paid at roughly €299 per week, is among the lowest in Europe. The petition argues that an extended, properly paid period of leave for fathers and second parents would improve maternal recovery, child development, family wellbeing, and gender equality at home and in the workplace.
At 10,000 signatures the petition will be formally presented to the Oireachtas, Minister Norma Foley TD, and Minister Dara Calleary TD.
Press contact
hello@8weeksforfamilies.ie
Interviews with founders and signatory families available on request. Typical response time: under 24 hours.
Email the campaign