Madam, – I refer to Andrew Ward’s article (World News, August 17th), noting the baby boom experienced in Iceland despite the acute economic downturn. The author posited a number of unconvincing explanations for this apparently paradoxical pattern.
I am sure your readers would like to have information on the more likely cause of rising fertility among Icelandic women. Along with Norway and Sweden, Iceland is the only country to grant fathers generously paid leave of significant duration, after the birth of their child. Unlike Ireland where men have nostatutory right to (paid or unpaid) paternity leave, the Icelandic government allows both mothers and fathers to take three months non-transferable leave, in addition to three months shared parental leave.
Since 2000, payment for paternity and parental leave is granted on the same terms as maternity leave in Iceland. Research shows that this “incentivised” provision is popular with fathers, the vast majority (over 90 per cent) of whom avail of their paternity leave entitlements. It is further noted that the provision of “father only” leave makes it easier for men to take time away from work by strengthening their hand in challenging workplace cultures. – Yours, etc,