Senator Lisa Chambers has said an extension of Parents Leave would give parents more valuable time with their children while also offsetting the rise in the cost of living in terms of childcare.
The Fianna Fáil Senator said: "An extension of Parents Leave in Budget 2023 could be a valuable asset to help offset the rise in childcare costs for parents.
"Currently Parents Leave is seven weeks in the first 2 years of a child's life. An extension of this scheme would allow parents spend more time with their children while also offsetting their childcare costs.
"It's important we strive for parents to have at least one year leave from work to spend with their children in the first year of their life. Extending parents leave would get us closer to this while also reducing childcare costs for families across the country.
"I have raised this issue with Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath who responded positively to the proposal and committed to raising it with Minister Roderic O'Gorman."
