By Dan Walsh
The extension of parent’s leave and benefit from seven weeks to nine weeks is a major step in support and welcome relief to families across Wexford, according to North Wexford-based Cllr Darragh McDonald.
“Fine Gael have again increased parent’s leave to acknowledge the difficulties faced by families with young children,” Cllr McDonald told WexfordLocal.com, and he added; “Under these new measures, you can now claim nine weeks’ parent’s leave if your child is under the age of two on August 1st, 2024, or if your adopted child has been placed with your family less than two years on 1st August 2024.”
“Fine Gael introduced this leave in 2019 and it is great to now see it expanded further. This is a major support for many families so they can better balance work with family commitments which can be so challenging in today’s working environment.
“This measure will be available to both mothers and fathers and will apply to all future parents. Evidence shows that children benefit from being cared for and spending time with their parents when they are very young. From a parent’s perspective it’s clear that having that bit more time with a young child is incredibly beneficial.”
“Parent’s leave also gives an opportunity for fathers to take this leave in addition to their 2-week paternity leave, to have a total of 11 weeks off to be involved in the earliest stages of their child’s development.”
“Fine Gael knows parents are working hard, and we will continue to work to make life easier for families,” concluded Cllr McDonald.
WexfordLocal.com 