162. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if working fathers who do not work full-time hours will be entitled to paternity leave from September 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4638/16]

Issues pertaining to Paternity Leave, including eligibility, are for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, to answer in the first instance.

However, subject to being enacted by the Oireachtas, the legislative proposals for the introduction of Paternity Leave and Benefit will provide for Paternity Benefit for fathers who are in employment or self-employment provided they have sufficient social insurance contributions.

Provided that an employee is eligible for Paternity Leave and they have the required number of social insurance contributions, then they will be eligible to receive 2 weeks Paternity Benefit from the Department of Social Protection upon the birth of their child.