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3.9.6 Other rules for parent’s leave

• You are treated as being in employment while you are on parent’s leave (and all other types of
statutory leave for parents). You are entitled to return to your job after parent’s leave.
• Annual leave – you can build up annual leave while you are on parent’s leave.
• Public holidays – you are entitled to any public holidays that occur during your parent’s leave.
• PRSI contributions – you can get credited PRSI contributions while you are on parent’s leave.

3.9.7 How to apply for parent's leave

You must give notice to your employer before you can take parent’s leave.

You must:

• Give your notice in writing
• Tell your employer at least 6 weeks before the leave is due to start
• Include the start date, the way the leave will be taken and how long the leave will last

You can contact the Workplace Relations Commission's Information and Customer Service for more
information on your employment rights - see 'Where to apply' below.

You can find out more in our document on Parent's Benefit.

3.9.8 Can my employer refuse my application for parent’s leave?

Your employer can only refuse parent’s leave if you are not entitled to it.

Your employer can postpone your parent’s leave for up to 12 weeks. Your employer could postpone
your leave for the following reasons:

• Seasonal variations in the volume of work
• No replacement to carry out your work
• The nature of your duties
• The number of other employees also taking parent’s leave
• Any other relevant matters

3.10 ADOPTIVE LEAVE
Adoptive leave is available to an employed adopting mother, an employed sole male adopter, and an
employed adopting father where the adopting mother has died. The leave consists of a minimum of
24 weeks-unpaid leave ("Adoptive Leave") commencing on the day of placement of the child and an
additional 16 weeks’ unpaid leave ("Additional Adoptive Leave"). You must give at least 4 weeks’
notice to the employer prior to the date of placement. For additional adoptive leave at least 4 weeks’
notice must be given before the end of the twenty-four-week adoptive leave period. This additional
leave is optional. In the case of foreign adoptions, some or all of the 16 weeks’ additional leave may
be taken immediately before the placement date. From 30 January 2006 if the adopted child is
hospitalised, the period of leave or additional leave may be postponed, provided that the employer
agrees.

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