Questions

2373. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will consider extending statutory paternity leave beyond the current two-week entitlement, in light of evidence showing the benefits of longer, dedicated paternity leave for child development, maternal recovery and gender equality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23971/26]

2374. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department has conducted any assessment comparing Ireland’s two-week statutory paternity leave entitlement with more extensive paternity or partner leave provisions in other EU countries; and if she plans to bring forward proposals to align Ireland more closely with international norms. [23972/26]

2375. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current uptake rates of both paternity leave and parent’s leave, and whether her Department has identified any barriers, financial or otherwise, that prevent fathers or partners from availing fully of their entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23973/26]

2376. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department has carried out analysis on the economic, social, and workplace impacts of extending statutory paternity leave beyond two-weeks; if she will publish such findings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23974/26]

2377. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will consider measures to support employers, particularly SMEs, when employees take paternity leave or parent’s leave; whether this could form part of a broader strategy to increase uptake of family leave supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23975/26]