Summary: HSE employees who are new fathers or non-birthing partners are entitled to 2 weeks of paid Paternity Leave. Paternity Benefit is paid by the Department of Social Protection at €289 per week, and the HSE tops this up to full basic pay for eligible staff.

This guide covers everything HSE employees need to know about paternity leave in 2026 — entitlements, pay, when to take it, and how to apply.

Paternity Leave Entitlement at a Glance

Detail	Information
Duration	2 weeks (10 consecutive working days)
When to take it	Within 6 months of the birth or adoption
Pay	Paternity Benefit (DSP) + HSE top-up
Statutory right	Yes — Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016

Who Is Entitled to Paternity Leave?

Paternity Leave is available to:

Fathers of a newborn child
Non-birthing parents in same-sex relationships
Adoptive parents (the non-primary adopter)

There is no minimum service requirement — you are entitled to paternity leave from your first day of employment.

When Can Paternity Leave Be Taken?

Paternity Leave must be taken within 6 months of the birth or, in the case of adoption, within 6 months of the child’s placement.

You can start paternity leave:

On the date of birth
On any day within the 6-month window that suits you and your employer

Paternity Leave is typically taken as 2 consecutive weeks, though you should confirm the exact arrangement with your manager.

How Much Will You Be Paid?

Paternity Benefit (State Payment)

Paternity Benefit is paid by the Department of Social Protection at a flat weekly rate.

Rate (2026): €289 per week
Duration: 2 weeks
To qualify: you need at least 39 PRSI contributions paid in the relevant tax year, or at least 39 contributions in the 12 months before your leave

Apply for Paternity Benefit at MyWelfare.ie at least 4 weeks before your leave begins.

HSE Top-Up to Full Pay

Most HSE employees receive a top-up from the HSE to bring their pay to full basic salary during the 2 weeks of Paternity Leave. To avail of this:

You must assign your Paternity Benefit to the HSE via your payroll/HR department
The HSE pays the difference between Paternity Benefit and your basic salary
This arrangement applies to permanent and most long-term temporary staff — confirm with HR

How to Apply for Paternity Leave

Step 1: Notify Your Employer

Give your employer at least 4 weeks’ written notice before the start of your paternity leave.

Use the HSE Paternity Leave form (available from your HR department or the HRPOL portal). The form typically includes:

Expected start date
Duration
Expected due date or date of birth/adoption

Step 2: Apply for Paternity Benefit

Apply online at MyWelfare.ie at least 4 weeks before your leave starts. You will need:

Your PPSN
Expected date of birth or adoption placement
Employer details

Step 3: Assign Paternity Benefit to Your Employer

Submit the Assignment of Paternity Benefit form to your payroll/HR department to receive the pay top-up.

What If I Don’t Qualify for Paternity Benefit?

If you do not meet the PRSI qualification requirements for Paternity Benefit, you are still entitled to take 2 weeks of unpaid paternity leave under the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016. Your employer cannot refuse this.

Paternity Leave and Annual Leave

Annual leave continues to accrue normally during Paternity Leave. Paternity Leave does not affect your annual leave balance.

Job Protection During Paternity Leave

Your job is fully protected during Paternity Leave:

You have the right to return to your same job on the same or no less favourable terms
You cannot be dismissed or penalised for taking Paternity Leave
If any dispute arises, you can refer the matter to the Workplace Relations Commission

Paternity Leave and Adoption

For adoption, Paternity Leave is available to the non-primary adopter (i.e., the adopter who does not take Adoptive Leave). It must be taken within 6 months of the date the child is placed with the family.

Can Paternity Leave Be Extended?

Paternity Leave itself cannot be extended beyond 2 weeks. However, following Paternity Leave you can take:

Parental Leave (up to 26 weeks unpaid)
Parents Leave (9 weeks, paid via DSP)
Annual Leave

Many new fathers combine Paternity Leave with their other entitlements to take a longer period at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take paternity leave before the baby is born? Paternity Leave can generally only be taken from the date of birth onwards. It cannot be taken before the birth.

What if my baby is born premature or stillborn? In the case of a premature birth, Paternity Leave begins from the date of birth. In the case of stillbirth (after 24 weeks of pregnancy), Paternity Leave entitlement still applies.

Do I have to take paternity leave as 2 consecutive weeks? Yes, Paternity Leave is typically taken as a continuous 2-week block. It cannot be split into individual days.

Can I take paternity leave if I am on probation? Yes. There is no minimum service requirement for Paternity Leave. It is available from your first day of employment.

What if my employer refuses my paternity leave? Your employer cannot refuse Paternity Leave. If this happens, contact the Workplace Relations Commission.

Can both parents take leave at the same time? Yes. Paternity Leave and Maternity Leave can run concurrently. Additionally, both parents have separate entitlements to Parental Leave and Parents Leave.

Useful Contacts

Department of Social Protection (Paternity Benefit): MyWelfare.ie or 0818 928 400
Workplace Relations Commission: workplacerelations.ie
Citizens Information: citizensinformation.ie
HSE HR Helpdesk: Your local HR Business Partner

This guide is based on the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016, HSE HR Circulars, and DSP policy as of 2026. Confirm your specific entitlements — particularly the pay top-up arrangement — with your HR Business Partner before commencing leave.

HSE Paternity Leave Ireland 2026: Full Guide for HSE Staff