Most other legal entities, which are based in other countries, offer good benefits, including paid paternity leave. HR UK, that we deal with, don't respond to simple questions and don't deal with my request, which is why I escalated it. Statutory seems to be the only option available to Irish employees right now which I won't be applying for.
It's a good suggestion you make about asking the director to confirm the paid paternity leave although I do know that the site manager and director are actively working to negotiate benefits for Irish employees so that there will be equality in the workplace. This may not be done in time for the birth of our baby.