Sinn Féin TD for Wexford Deputy Johnny Mythen has urged the Government to prioritise the payment of the 3 weeks’ Parental Leave and Benefit which was promised almost 4 months ago.

Teachta Mythen said:

“Parents of childrens born during the pandemic have been under huge pressure as they have struggled to find suitable childcare once their normal parental leave ends. Many crèches are closed or taking in minimum numbers due to lack of space, staffing concerns and social distancing guidelines in relation to ‘pods’ and room migration. Family members are also unable to provide childcare due to restrictions on the mixing of different households under public health advice.”

“As a result, some parents have no backup and no choice but to take unpaid leave to look after their babies.”

“In this year’s Budget, the Government pledged to give families three weeks of paid Parental Leave to address this, but almost four months later, that money is still nowhere to be seen. This isn’t good enough. Families need this support now and can’t be expected to wait any longer, especially during this period of extended lockdowns and school closures.” 

‘The 3 week’s Parental Leave is essential to offset the loss in wages caused by this forced unpaid parental leave, and is a significant amount for these families, many of whom are also paying exorbitant rents as a result of neglect by successive governments to tackle the housing crisis.”

“My colleague, Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane, has been raising this consistently in the Dáil yet, time and time again, the Government simply fails to address the issue. Many families are badly affected by this delay. Their finances are already depleted, and they should not have to bear the financial burden because of the Government’s failure to act on time.”