The National Assembly has amended the Parental Protection and Family Benefits Act. With effect from May 12th 2018 working fathers will be entitled to 30 days paid paternity leave. For the leave to be triggered 15 days must be used within the first 6 months following childbirth and the rest may then be used at any time before the child completes first grade of elementary school. Special arrangements will be in place for fathers with children under 3 years on the day this change comes into force – with entitlements varying according to the amount of paid and unpaid leave they have taken prior to this new entitlement becoming available. All applications for payment must be made through the state social work Centre.