NEW PARENTS COULD receive up to four weeks’ extra parental leave next year.

Two separate schemes are being rolled out to give parents more time off after the arrival of a baby.

Enda Kenny told reporters yesterday that an extra two weeks of parental leave is expected to be introduced in September, with legislation to be approved by cabinet next week.

“Next week the cabinet will approve the legislation to provide two weeks paid paternity leave for fathers.

“Our aim is to have that in by September, which will be of benefit to significant numbers there.”

Meanwhile, the budget is also expected to include an extra two weeks parental leave that can be shared between both parents.

It’s understood that both schemes will be covered by welfare payments, however employers will be able to voluntarily opt in to pay for the the extra shared parental leave.

If both these schemes come into effect, parents would be entitled to an extra four weeks leave by the beginning of next year.

Read: Poll: Should mothers and fathers be allowed share parental leave?>