413. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans on paternity leave (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34245/15]

As previously announced, the Government has approved the drafting of a new Family Leave Bill to consolidate with amendments all existing family leave entitlements into one piece of legislation. As part of that process, active consideration is being given to the introduction of two weeks paid paternity leave - as announced previously by the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection. The timing of the introduction of any such leave and of the associated social welfare benefit would depend on the enactment of the necessary legislation.