Paternity benefit paid to 371 Offaly fathers

Some 371 fathers in Offaly received paternity benefit during 2018, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection’s has revealed in figures just released.

It was in January 2018 and August 2018 that the greatest number in Offaly – 40 men – received the benefit, while in September and December it was paid to just 22 recipients.

Neighbouring Westmeath saw 460 fathers receive paternity benefit while the Meath figure was fifth highest in the country at 956. Longford had 191 recipients and Roscommon 273.

The county with the lowest number of claimants was Leitrim, which had 174, while topping the list was Dublin with 6,906.

Overall, some 55,652 people have availed of the two week payment since its introduction in September 2016, including 4,325 self-employed. Latest statistics from the Department show that 24,080 people availed of the payment in 2018.

The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty TD believes that the two week paternity benefit payment provides a great opportunity for new parents

Paternity benefit is a social welfare payment for employed and self-employed people who take paternity leave from work and are covered by their Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI). The scheme is available to employees paying PRSI Class A, E or H contributions and to self-employed people paying PRSI Class S contributions.

It is paid for two weeks to cover paternity leave and is available for any child born or adopted. Paternity leave can be taken at any time within the first six months following the birth or adoption placement. The current rate of Paternity Benefit is €240 per week. It will increase to €245 per week from the week beginning 25 March 2019, as provided for in Budget 2019.