Not the same as parent's leave
Parent's leave is the 9 paid weeks before your child turns 2. Parental leave is different: up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave for each child, any time before their 12th birthday.
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Each parent has their own
You and your partner each have your own 26 weeks per child. Any weeks you haven't used by your child's 12th birthday are gone.
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In one block, in two blocks of at least 6 weeks, or as single days or shorter hours if your employer agrees. Give your employer written notice at least 6 weeks before.
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Your employer has to tell the Department of Social Protection which weeks you were off, so they're credited to your PRSI record. Ask for that when you hand in your notice.
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A shorter week for the first school year, the summer holidays, or a block when a crèche place falls through. It's there until your child is 12.
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After the birth: your dates and deadlines
Registering the birth, Child Benefit, paternity, parent's and parental leave, from the date of birth. All free Lullagram tools
Your family's money dates, in Lullagram.
Free reminders before every payment and deadline, from pregnancy to your child's 2nd birthday, plus your pregnancy and baby tracker in one app. Made in Ireland.
Sources, checked 27 October 2026: Citizens Information. General information, not financial advice; it doesn't know your circumstances. Lullagram Limited isn't authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland to give financial advice, so for a decision about your own money, talk to a regulated adviser.