Current Paid entitlements in Ireland following the birth of a baby include 26 weeks maternity,  2 weeks paternity and 2 weeks parents benefit soon to be extended to 5 weeks. 

The main goal of this petition is for parents benefit to be made transferable between both parents. Many mothers or father are unable to take this leave due to being self employed, the main wage earner, unsuitable for particular jobs. By allowing this leave to be transferable, parents will be able to make the best decision for their family as to who takes the leave. Additionally this leave currently does not have the same protection as maternity leave and can be postponed by employers. Should a woman wish to extend maternity leave with parents benefit or a father wish to take this leave immediately after their child is born then it should be compulsory for employers to facilitate once given adequate notice.

This change would not cost the Irish tax payers any more than what the Irish government have already committed to paying and it is already the case In many other EU countries that similar leave is transferable and this system works effectively.

This change would make a huge difference to young families without costing the state. Please sign and support families.