A new Bill has been proposed which would allow the sharing of maternity leave between parents.

Under the proposed “Parental Leave Bill 2013”, a woman would be allowed to transfer a portion of her maternity leave to the father of her child. If passed, this legislation would bring Ireland in line with the UK, where there is already provision to share maternity leave.

Whilst specific details of the Bill still need to be discussed, in particular in relation to same sex couples and adopted children, the Government has said that it will not oppose the general thrust of the Bill.

It is anticipated that the Bill will be enacted into law by Autumn 2014.

Contributed by Louise Moore and Catherine O’Flynn.

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