Keogh calls for extended paternity leave

Fine Gael local election candidate Keira Keogh has called for an extension of paternity leave from two to
four weeks.

The first-time candidate presented a motion calling for more generous parental leave at the party’s Ard
Fheis in Galway over the weekend.

The electoral candidate in the Westport area said that paternity leave should not be considered a luxury
for fathers, but a ‘necessity’.

She cited research highlighting the positive impact that active parenting from fathers in a baby’s early
development creates, including stronger emotional bonds, and improved parenting relationships.

Ms Keogh said: “There are few things as momentous or life changing as bringing home a new baby, but
as amazing and joyous as the occasion is, it can also be an overwhelming time with huge stress and
exhaustion, especially for mothers recovering from childbirth”.

Currently in Ireland, paternity leave is paid for two weeks and is available within the first six months
following the birth or adoption of a child.

Ms Keogh proposed to see paternity leave extended to four weeks, with potential for further increases in
future.

Increasing the duration of paternity leave is an important step, she said, but the Fine Gael candidate said
that it is not sufficient alone.

She explained how the uptake by fathers is ‘strikingly low’.

“Factors that can influence this are both practical and cultural, such as the payment rate, which stands at
what she called an ‘insufficient’ €274 per week, and social norms,” she said.

“It is vital that we challenge this disrepute further by fostering a culture change that encourages and
supports more men to take their full, entitled, paternity leave’.