New parents are to get two weeks paid parental leave during their baby's first year from November.
Under new plans published today, all new parents in employment or self employment will be entitled to the two week scheme.
Those who avail of the scheme will receive €245 per week, which is the same as the current maternity and paternity benefits.
The Government's planning to extend the paid leave up to seven weeks over the next three years.
The bill, which will benefit up to 60,000 parents a year, will also enable male same-sex couples to receive adoptive leave and benefit.
Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty said the benefit is non-transferable and available on a "use it or lose it" basis.
She explained: "This, I hope, will help to incentivise fathers to take more time off work to care for their children than has been the case up to now.
"The evidence shows that when fathers take a more significant and meaningful share in the parenting of their children the individual family benefits - and so does wider society, as by encouraging more fathers to take time off, we are in a position to challenge the existing culture regarding work and gender.”
