Notice of the making of this Statutory Instrument was published in

“Iris Oifigiúil” of 5th August, 2016.

I, LEO VARADKAR, Minister for Social Protection, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 1 (3) of the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 (No. 11 of 2016), hereby order as follows:

1. This Order may be cited as the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 (Sections 30 and 31) (Commencement) Order 2016.

2. The 3rd day of August 2016 is appointed as the day on which the following provisions of the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 (No. 11 of 2016) shall come into operation:

(a) section 30;

(b) section 31 insofar as it relates to the insertion, in Part 2 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (No. 26 of 2005), of Chapter 11A, other than paragraph (b)(ii)(III) of the definition of “relevant parent” in section 61A(1) of that Chapter.

GIVEN under my Official Seal,

2 August 2016.

LEO VARADKAR,

Minister for Social Protection.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Instrument and does not purport to be a legal interpretation.)

This Order brings sections 30 and 31 of the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 into operation, other than an element of section 31 (as this provision is contingent on the relevant provision of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 being commenced separately).

The Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 provides for 2 weeks of paternity leave and an associated social welfare benefit with effect from 1 September 2016. Sections 30 and 31 of the Act amend the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 to provide for the new social welfare payment to be known as paternity benefit.

The remainder of the Act will be commenced separately by the Minister for Justice and Equality.