Employment rights

Adoptive leave

The Adoptive Leave Acts 1995 and 2005, entitle adopting mothers or a sole male adopter to:

  • A minimum of 24 consecutive weeks of adoptive leave from work, with a social welfare benefit in most cases.
  • Up to 16 weeks additional adoptive leave.
  • The right to return to work.
  • Paid time off work to attend preparation classes and pre-adoption meetings.

You can find more information from workplacerelations.ie and irishstatutebook.ie. Information regarding adoptive benefits may be obtained from the welfare.ie.