(1) Subject to this section and sections 9, 13(2) and 14(2), entitlement to paternity leave shall be subject to an employee who is a relevant parent in relation to a child having notified in writing and in accordance with subsection (2) or (5) his or her employer (or caused his or her employer to be so notified) of his or her intention to take paternity leave.

(2) A notification referred to in subsection (1) may be given -

(a) in the case of a child who is, or is to be, adopted, as soon as reasonably practicable but not later than 4 weeks before the expected day of placement, or

(b) in any other case, as soon as reasonably practicable but not later than 4 weeks before the expected week of confinement of the expectant mother concerned.

(3) A relevant parent who has given a notification to his or her employer in accordance with subsection (2) shall, other than where subsection (4) applies -

(a) in the case of an adoption, other than an intercountry adoption effected or to be effected outside the State, cause his or her employer to be -