Tuam councillor calls for extra paternity leave

Cllr Farag says mothers need extra support

GALWAY County Council are set to write to the Minister for Children requesting an urgent review of paternity leave in Ireland.

Paternity leave currently entitles new fathers to two weeks off work. Tuam Cllr Karey McHugh Farag is seeking changes to legislation that would see fathers of children born via a caesarean section automatically qualifying for the immediate usage of four weeks of Parent’s Leave. This would be on top of the two weeks they are legally given for paternity leave.

“I have spoken to mothers who have gone through caesarean section births, which are happening more frequently. It can take up to six weeks to fully recover, yet the father is only entitled to two weeks leave,” stated Cllr McHugh Farag during last week's meeting of Galway County Council.

“That makes it difficult for mothers to get to medical appointments post birth, as they need to look after their newborn.

More suport for mothers

“I’m not asking for increased pay, I just want to see fathers given more time to be there for the mothers, support them by attending medical appointments with them, caring for newborns and other children, and managing day-to-day activities while mothers are recovering.”

Cllr McHugh’s motion also sought an extra two weeks of Parent's Leave for natural births, immediately following the initial two-week leave period.

The motion was passed and the council will now write to the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and any other relevant Government Ministers seeking these legislative changes be made.