Starting January 1, 2026, Ireland's standard weekly Paternity Benefit rate will rise by €10. While the adjustment is modest, employers should plan ahead to keep payroll, leave administration, and employee communications aligned.
Current Paternity Benefit in Ireland
At present, eligible parents receive EUR 289 per week for two consecutive weeks of paternity leave. This benefit is available to both employees and self-employed individuals who are on statutory paternity leave, covered by social insurance (PRSI), and have at least 39 weeks of PRSI contributions.
Parents receiving certain social welfare payments may instead qualify for a half-rate Paternity Benefit. The scheme applies to children born or adopted on or after September 1st, 2016.
Paternity Leave Entitlements in Ireland
Ireland provides two weeks of statutory paternity leave, which can be taken at any time within the first 26 weeks following the birth or the placement of a child in adoption. The leave must be taken in one continuous block.
This entitlement is inclusive and applies to fathers, same-sex partners, adoptive parents, and self-employed individuals. A “relevant parent” is defined in legislation as the child's father, the spouse or partner of the mother, or the spouse or partner of the adopting parent.
Special Circumstances and Additional Protections
Irish law also upholds paternity entitlements in sensitive circumstances:
Stillbirth or death of a child after the 24th week: The parent remains entitled to paternity leave and benefits.
Death of a parent: The surviving parent inherits any unused paternity leave.
Adoption scenario: If the biological father has already taken paternity leave before an adoption, the adoptive father may still take paternity leave.
Application Rules for Irish Employees and Self-Employed Individuals
Employees must apply to their employer in writing at least 4 weeks before taking leave. Self-employed individuals must apply 12 weeks in advance. Applicants must specify the intended start date and confirm that the two-week leave will be taken consecutively.
How Atlas HXM Helps Employers Prepare for the 2026 Update
With a statutory rate change approaching, employers should review payroll settings, budget planning, leave management processes, and PRSI compliance to ensure readiness for 2026.
Atlas HXM supports organizations by monitoring statutory updates, managing leave requests and documentation, ensuring payroll accuracy, and helping employers remain compliant with Irish employment law.