New fathers who work in farming and agriculture will be eligible to claim two weeks’ paternity benefit when new legislation comes into effect from 1 September 2016.

Farmers whose child is born on or after 1 September will qualify for two weeks of paternity leave and a paternity benefit of €230 a week.

Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar launched an awareness campaign this week to inform prospective parents that they require a Public Service Card in order to apply for paternity benefit.

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Both self-employed farmers and those employed in agriculture can qualify, as long as they are paying PRSI. Employees need to give four weeks’ notice to their employer to qualify for the paternity leave.

Work on the farm

Speaking at the campaign launch, Minister Varadkar said: “Obviously, taking time off won’t be easy for farmers. Work on the farm cannot wait, but hopefully the €230 per week will make it a little easier for farmers to take a few days to spend with their newborn if they can find someone to cover for them.”

“You’re eligible for paternity benefit when you take your statutory two weeks of paternity leave and fulfil the PRSI requirements. You can take paternity leave at any time within the first 26 weeks of the child’s life, or following adoption.”

For more information visit www.welfare.ie/paternitybenefit, call 1890 66 22 44 or search #paternitybenefit on Twitter.