The Minister for Social Protection has expressed concern about the low number of men taking up paid paternity leave.
Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime, Regina Doherty said that slightly more than 20,000 fathers availed of paid paternity leave since last September, yet there were 60,000 babies born in Ireland last year.
The scheme, which came into effect from 1 September 2016, provides two weeks paternity leave on top of existing maternity benefit. The payment is €235 per week.
Ms Doherty said the premise of the payment is to allow fathers to spend time at home to bond with their baby.
The Meath East TD said it is easy to apply for paternity leave and to get it.
She said an information campaign is now under way to highlight the scheme.
However she added that she does not believe paid paternity leave should be mandatory.
The equality officer at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has said he is not surprised at the low rate of uptake.
Speaking on the same programme, David Joyce said the payment received needs to be more in line with salaries if fathers are to be encouraged to take paternity leave.
He said unions have negotiated with employers like the Government and Ulster Bank to top up paternity leave payments to reach salary levels, adding that fathers must be able to reconcile their work and family life.
Mr Joyce said Ireland should look other countries like Norway and Sweden if it is to try and increase the uptake of paternity leave.
