Irish parents could be in for a seven-day extension on the existing paid parental leave legally authorised here.
The payment scheme for new mums and dads could be extended for two weeks as talks continue around the changes.
Amendments to the allowed time frame come a year after the “Parents’ Benefit” was increased from two to five weeks by officials, according to the Irish Independent.
Parent’s Benefit and parent’s leave are statutory entitlements for parents in the first two years after their child’s birth or adoption and are available for kids born or adopted after November 1, 2019.
The Benefit is paid while you are on leave from work if you have enough PRSI contributions.
According to Citizen's Information: "You must be on parent’s leave to get Parent’s Benefit, however, it’s possible to qualify for parent’s leave and not qualify for Parent’s Benefit, if you don’t meet the PRSI contribution conditions."
Each parent is entitled to the Benefit during leave and you can take five consecutive weeks or five separate weeks off work.
If you are already getting a social welfare payment, then you may only be entitled to a half-rate Parent’s Benefit.
Among the other additions to the Budget 2022, is the potential for more funding in Deis schools in Ireland, where at least one hot meal would be provided per student.
Meanwhile, those who were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic will see a bonus from the upcoming Budget, and anyone who has spent the last few months claiming the PUP or other welfare benefits will be given up to €1,860 “to compensate for the reckonable service that you have lost due to no fault of your own."
An increase in Ireland’s minimum wage may also be seen on October 12 after Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told the Dáil that an increase to the current rate is needed as the cost of living rises - which could be reflected in wages for workers and social welfare rates.
A change could also be on the way for pensioners and those living on a fixed wage as the cost of living increases.
The areas where changes are unlikely to be seen are on employer PRSI and Corporation Tax.
According to Varadkar, any changes to employer PRSI would only be justified to improve benefits or to fund affordable healthcare, childcare, or higher education.
