New fathers could be given two weeks of paid leave before the end of the year.

Junior Minister Aodhán Ó Riordáin says he wants the measure in place before the year is out.

The equality minister says it is important for fathers not to have to juggle their work and family lives in the first days of their baby's life.

He says the government needs to focus not only on creating jobs, but on better conditions for those who get them.

He has been speaking at the Labour Party conference in Killarney.