Summary: HSE employees are entitled to two types of leave for parents — Parental Leave (26 weeks unpaid, for each parent) and Parents Leave (9 weeks paid, funded by the Department of Social Protection). Both are separate entitlements and can be used by mothers and fathers.
If you are a parent working in the HSE, understanding the difference between Parental Leave and Parents Leave is essential. This guide covers both entitlements, who qualifies, when leave must be taken, and how to apply.
Two Types of Leave for Parents
Many HSE staff confuse Parental Leave with Parents Leave — they are two completely different entitlements:
| Parental Leave | Parents Leave | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 26 weeks per parent, per child | 9 weeks per parent |
| Paid/Unpaid | Unpaid | Paid (via Parents Benefit) |
| Who can take it | Any parent | Any parent |
| Age limit for child | Under 12 (under 16 for a disabled child) | Under 2 years (or within 2 years of adoption) |
| Statutory right | Yes | Yes |
Part 1: Parental Leave (Unpaid)
What Is Parental Leave?
Parental Leave is unpaid leave that allows parents to spend time caring for their child. It is provided under the Parental Leave Acts 1998–2019.
How Much Parental Leave Are You Entitled To?
Each parent is entitled to 26 weeks of Parental Leave per child. This applies to:
- Biological parents
- Adoptive parents
- In loco parentis (acting as a parent)
Both parents can take their 26 weeks independently — the entitlements do not overlap.
When Can Parental Leave Be Taken?
- The child must be under 12 years of age
- For a child with a disability or long-term illness: under 16 years of age
- For an adopted child aged between 10 and 12 at the time of adoption: leave must be taken within 2 years of the adoption order
How Can Parental Leave Be Taken?
Parental Leave can be taken in various ways, subject to agreement with your employer:
- One continuous block
- Separate blocks (minimum 6 weeks per block, unless your employer agrees to shorter periods)
- By working reduced hours over an agreed period
Is Parental Leave Paid?
No. Parental Leave is unpaid. There is no state benefit for Parental Leave (unlike Parents Leave — see below).
However, some HSE employees may have contractual paid parental leave entitlements through their specific employment contract or collective agreement. Check your contract or contact HR.
Annual Leave During Parental Leave
Annual leave does not accrue during periods of Parental Leave. However, public holidays that fall during Parental Leave are not counted as Parental Leave days.
How to Apply for Parental Leave
- Give your employer a minimum of 6 weeks’ written notice before the proposed start date
- Complete the HSE Parental Leave form (HR103 or equivalent — available from HR or HRPOL)
- Include: start date, duration, and how you intend to take the leave
- Your manager will confirm the arrangement in writing
Your employer may postpone your Parental Leave by up to 6 months if it would have a significant adverse effect on the business. This should be rare in practice and would require consultation with you.
Part 2: Parents Leave (Paid via State Benefit)
What Is Parents Leave?
Parents Leave is paid leave funded through Parents Benefit from the Department of Social Protection. It was introduced in 2019 and has been extended — in 2026, each parent is entitled to 9 weeks of Parents Leave.
How Much Parents Leave Are You Entitled To?
Each parent is entitled to 9 weeks of Parents Leave. Both parents can take their 9 weeks independently.
When Must Parents Leave Be Taken?
Parents Leave must be taken within the first 2 years of the child’s birth or adoption.
Is Parents Leave Paid?
Yes. While your employer does not pay your full salary during Parents Leave, you are entitled to Parents Benefit from the Department of Social Protection, provided you meet the PRSI contribution requirements.
- Parents Benefit rate (2026): €289 per week (subject to DEASP updates)
- Some HSE employees may have their salary topped up under specific agreements — check with HR
PRSI Qualification for Parents Benefit
To qualify for Parents Benefit, you must have:
- At least 24 PRSI contributions in the relevant tax year, or
- At least 24 contributions in the 12 months before your leave begins
How to Apply for Parents Leave and Parents Benefit
Step 1: Apply for Parents Benefit from the Department of Social Protection:
- Apply online at MyWelfare.ie
- Apply at least 6 weeks before your leave starts
Step 2: Notify your employer using the HSE Parents Leave form (available from HR or HRPOL):
- Give at least 6 weeks’ written notice of your intention to take leave
- Specify the weeks you intend to take
Parents Leave can be taken as a continuous block or in separate weeks.
Combining Parental Leave and Parents Leave
You can take both Parental Leave and Parents Leave, either together or at different times. Many parents take Parents Leave (paid) first and then Parental Leave (unpaid) later.
Example arrangement:
- Take 9 weeks Parents Leave in the first year of a child’s life
- Take some or all of 26 weeks Parental Leave before the child turns 12
Parental Leave and Pension
Extended unpaid Parental Leave may affect your pension. Contact the HSE Pension Section before commencing unpaid leave to understand the impact and whether you should make voluntary contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can both parents take Parental Leave at the same time? Yes. Parental Leave entitlements are individual — both parents can take leave simultaneously if they choose.
Can I take Parents Leave in individual weeks rather than a block? Yes. Parents Leave can be taken as individual weeks (not necessarily consecutive), subject to agreement with your employer.
What if my employer refuses my Parental Leave request? Your employer can postpone Parental Leave but cannot refuse it outright. If you believe your employer has unfairly refused your entitlement, you can refer the matter to the Workplace Relations Commission.
Does my child have to be in childcare for me to take Parental Leave? No. There is no requirement to place your child in childcare. Parental Leave is intended for you to care directly for your child.
Can I take Parental Leave for each of my children separately? Yes. The 26-week entitlement applies per child. If you have two children under 12, you have 26 weeks of Parental Leave available for each child.
What happens to my job while I am on Parental Leave? Your job is fully protected. You have the right to return to the same position on the same or equivalent terms and conditions.
Useful Contacts
- Department of Social Protection (Parents Benefit): MyWelfare.ie or 0818 928 400
- Workplace Relations Commission: workplacerelations.ie
- Citizens Information: citizensinformation.ie
- HSE HR Helpdesk: Your local HR Business Partner
Related HSE Leave Guides
- HSE Maternity Leave Policy 2026
- HSE Paternity Leave Ireland 2026
- HSE Carers Leave Policy 2026
- HSE Annual Leave Entitlements 2026
This guide is based on the Parental Leave Acts 1998–2019, the Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019, and HSE HR policy as of 2026. Always confirm your specific entitlements with your HR Business Partner before commencing leave.
