174. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans for paternity benefit (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34245/15]

There has been no Government decision on the introduction of a paternity benefit scheme. I am not therefore in a position to give any details of how such a scheme might operate.

However, it should be noted that paternity benefit could only be introduced in conjunction with a paternity leave scheme. Responsibility for any proposed paternity leave scheme would in the first instance be the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.