300. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when she expects the Parent's Leave and Benefit Bill 2019 which has passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas will be enacted; when eligible parents will be able to apply for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43884/19]

The Parent’s Leave and Benefit Bill completed all stages in Houses of the Oireachtas on the 15th of October and has been sent to the President for signature.  Following enactment, commencement orders will be made by me in respect of Part 5 of the Act and by the Minister for Justice and Equality in respect of the other provisions.  Parent’s leave and benefit will be available to all parents in respect of children born or adopted on or after 1st November 2019.

This new scheme provides two weeks paid leave to both parents and who take parental leave from their employment to care for their child. The scheme will support parents during the first year of the child's life, in line with the Programme for Government commitment and allows parents more flexibility in achieving and managing a work life balance.

I trust this clarifies the matter.