<p>
	New fathers are being encouraged to avail of two weeks paid paternity leave from September.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Under the measures, signed into law yesterday, fathers will be entitled to a guaranteed income of &euro;230 for each of two weeks that they take as leave.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Those who wish to avail of the paternity leave must give their employers four weeks&#39; notice and hold in their possession a public service card.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar said that in some countries, paternity benefit is drawn down in fewer than 50pc of cases.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&quot;We&#39;d be disappointed if that were the case,&quot; he told reporters at Holles Street Maternity Hospital.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Meanwhile, Mr Varadkar brushed over suggestions that he openly angling for the leadership of Fine Gael.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Mr Varadkar was asked why he chose to open a constituency office for Cork South West backbencher Jim Daly and whether this was connected to his ambitions to succeed Enda Kenny.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&quot;There is no vacancy therefore I am not involved in any campaign,&quot; he said, adding: &quot;I look forward to opening many other constituency offices.&quot;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	On the issue of the budget, Mr Varadkar said there is &quot;limited&quot; scope available for increases in welfare.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Details of the scheme can be found at www.welfare.ie/paternitybenefit or by calling 1890-662244.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	(Published by the Irish Independent on the 3rd August 2016)</p>
<p>
	<a href="http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/paternity-bill-is-signed-into-law-34934070.html">http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/paternity-bill-is-signed-into-law-34934070.html</a></p>
