Fine Gael Kildare South TD Martin Heydon has today (Thursday) reminded prospective parents that new provision for paternity benefit will commence in respect of children born or adopted from today September 1st.”

“Paternity Benefit can now be claimed in respect of children born after September 1st. It will be paid at a rate of €230 a week for two weeks, to both employees and the self-employed who satisfy the PRSI contributions and are on paternity leave from work.

“Fathers in Kildare, who fulfil the PRSI requirements, are eligible for Paternity Benefit when they take two weeks of Paternity Leave at any time within the first 26 weeks of their child’s life, or following adoption.

“You can get further information and register online for the new payments from September 5th at www.welfare.ie/paternitybenefit. You will need a Public Service Card to apply and if you are an employee you need to give four weeks’ notice to their employer to qualify for the accompanying Paternity Leave.

“As a father of two young boys I know how important the first few weeks and months with a new baby are. I will continue to work towards increasing parental leave for parents in Kildare over the next five years and cutting the cost of childcare.