Maternity & Paternity Leave at Dunnes Stores

  1. Maternity Leave – What You’re Entitled To
  2. Ante-Natal Appointments – What You’re Entitled To
  3. Notice Requirements
  4. Paternity Leave – What You’re Entitled To
  5. Important Notes
  6. What to Watch For
  7. Mandate is Here to Help

Maternity Leave – What You’re Entitled To

All pregnant employees in Ireland are legally entitled to maternity leave under the Maternity Protection Act 1994–2004. Dunnes Stores follows this legislation, with some internal procedures you must follow.

Your Entitlements:

  • 26 weeks’ basic maternity leave (regardless of length of service or hours worked)

  • 16 weeks’ additional unpaid leave (optional, directly after the basic leave ends)

  • Maternity Benefit may be paid by the Department of Social Protection (subject to PRSI contributions)

  • Your job is protected during this time — you are entitled to return to the same role (or a suitable alternative on no less favourable terms)

  • Your maternity leave counts towards your annual leave and public holiday entitlements

  • You may also be entitled to parent’s leave or unpaid parental leave after maternity leave ends

Payment:
Dunnes does not pay staff during maternity leave. However, you may qualify for State Maternity Benefit if you have the required PRSI contributions. As of 2025, the weekly maternity benefit is €274, paid for 26 weeks. This is claimed directly from the Department of Social Protection via mywelfare.ie.

Ante-Natal Appointments – What You’re Entitled To

You are entitled to paid time off for ante-natal medical appointments, including scans.
This applies to all pregnant employees, no matter how long you’ve been employed.

What You Must Do:

  • Give at least 2 weeks’ notice of the appointment
  • Provide your appointment card or confirmation letter if requested
  • Agree the time off with your Store or HR Manager

Notice Requirements

You must give at least 4 weeks’ written notice of your intention to take maternity leave.

Your written notice must include:

  • Your intended start date of maternity leave
  • Confirmation if you are taking the 16 weeks’ additional leave
  • A medical certificate confirming the pregnancy and expected due date

Returning to Work:
You must give at least 4 weeks’ notice before returning. If you take only the basic leave, notice should be given 4 weeks before your return. If you take additional leave, you must give notice before the end of the basic leave period.

Paternity Leave – What You’re Entitled To

Fathers (or non-birthing parents) are entitled to 2 weeks’ statutory paternity leave under the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016.

Key Entitlements:

  • 2 weeks’ paid paternity leave (claimed through the Department of Social Protection)
  • Can be taken within 26 weeks of the birth or adoption
  • You may qualify for Paternity Benefit (currently €274/week), subject to PRSI
  • Dunnes does not top up paternity pay

You must:

  • Give at least 4 weeks’ notice to your manager
  • Submit a Paternity Benefit Form PB2 (available from your doctor) to DSP
  • Confirm your expected due date or date of placement (for adoptions)

Important Notes

  • Both maternity and paternity leave are job-protected under Irish law, meaning your job is maintained for you until your return to work

  • Annual leave and public holidays accrue during maternity or paternity leave

  • You may also be entitled to Parent’s Leave (9 weeks per parent, until the child turns 2) — paid by DSP

  • You cannot be penalised or treated unfairly for taking maternity or paternity leave

What to Watch For

  • Being told you can’t attend ante-natal appointments during working hours

  • Not being informed about your maternity or paternity entitlements

  • Not receiving PRSI documentation or support in claiming benefit

  • Not receiving full annual leave or public holiday credit

  • Being asked to return earlier than planned or without proper notice

  • Any unfair treatment or pressure around taking or returning from leave

Mandate is Here to Help

Mandate is committed to ensuring all Dunnes members:

  • Can access their full maternity and paternity entitlements
  • Are supported during pregnancy, parenthood, and time off
  • Know their rights and are protected from unfair treatment

Need support with maternity, paternity, or related leave?

Talk to your Shop Steward, contact your local Mandate office, or visit our Contact Page.