Adoptive Leave

Under the Adoptive Leave Acts, 1995 – 2005, one parent of an adopting couple or where there is a sole adopting parent, that parent is entitled to certain time off when adopting a child.

A couple that jointly adopts a child must choose which one takes the adoptive leave and that is known as the nominated parent.

Eligibility and Entitlement

Adoptive leave is available to –

• A nominated adopting parent; or
• A sole adopter, an employee who is adopting a child on their own;

A nominated adopting parent or a sole adopter who is in employment is entitled to the following:

(a) 24 consecutive weeks of adoptive leave from work, beginning on the day of placement of the child;
(b) up to 16 weeks of additional adoptive leave.

The parent who does not take adoptive leave is entitled to Paternity Leave.

Your employer does not have to pay you while you are on adoptive leave unless it is included in your contract.

In the majority of cases, it is possible to receive a Social Welfare payment for the initial 24 week period of adoptive leave.