Parents of new children in Carlow and Kilkenny will be given up to four weeks’ extra paid parental leave in the new year

Parents of new children in Carlow and Kilkenny will be given up to four weeks’ extra paid parental leave in the new year.

Two separate schemes are being rolled out to give time off to parents after the arrival of a new baby.

Enda Kenny says legislation for two weeks of paid paternity leave for new fathers will be approved by cabinet next week.

And he says an extra fortnight of paid leave will be allowed for in the Budget.