Why do so few men take paternity leave after the birth of their child? 

After their child is born, fathers can take two weeks to look after the new arrival. 

They are also entitled to parent’s leave, which is nine weeks of unpaid leave within the first two years of a child’s life. 

However, new data has revealed that only half of men take paternity leave - while two-thirds of mothers take maternity leave. 

On The Hard Shoulder, Newstalk’s own Simon Tierney explained why he took paternity leave. 

“I took paternity leave because I wanted to support my partner, now wife,” he said. 

“We were going through a huge milestone as a family and I needed to be there to help her. 

“Her family don’t live in Ireland and there just wasn’t any question about it.” 

Father carries baby in the baby carrier, close up. Image: Mauritius images GmbH / Alamy

However, like many new parents, Simon worried about the cost of taking time away from his job. 

“The problem is, it was a struggle to take because I lost out on a certain amount of my salary,” he said. 

“Paternity leave is currently paid at €289 per week; so, the problem is it isn’t replacing anybody’s salary. 

“The minimum wage in this country will give you €526.50. 

“So, even if you’re on minimum wage, you’re getting around half of that replaced from your PRSI.

“If you’re an average earner in this country, your average wage is currently €850. 

“So, you would be taking a 75% hit if you were to take paternity leave.” 

A baby, her father and a pet. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Overall, Simon found the current system “tokenistic” and does little to encourage men to spend time with their children and partners at this important time in their lives. 

“The Government has dressed it up as this great milestone in social progress for the country since they brought it in a few years ago,” he said. 

“But what it in fact reflects, is that the Irish Government were backed into a corner by Brussels.

“It’s not fit for purpose, it’s not on par with our European neighbours - particularly our European neighbours in Scandinavia who are way out ahead on this.

“It doesn’t help men but neither does it help women, most importantly.” 

When questioned if taking paternity leave could be considered a ‘career-killer’ for the men who take it, Simon said he thought that would be a “stretch” for the vast majority. 

“Paternity leave is two weeks; most people aren’t doing any of this,” he said. 

“Only half of the Irish male workforce are taking paternity leave in the first place. 

“So, I’d say it’s a very small minimum who are taking more than two weeks of paternity leave.”

Main image: A baby girl walking on the beach with the help of her father. Picture by: Westend61 GmbH / Alamy