The EU Directive on the Framework Agreement on Parental Leave was formally adopted, with my support, at the Social Affairs Council I attended in Luxembourg on 3 June 1996.
Implementation of a provision for parental leave for mothers and fathers is a logical development for my Department at this stage, representing as it does the next in a series of statutory measures I have sponsored aimed at supporting the reconciliation of family life and work commitments. The Maternity Protection Act, 1994 and the Adoptive Leave Act, 1995 which I introduced were important legislative steps in this regard.
A significant aspect of this directive has been the fact that it is based on a framework agreement devised and agreed by employer and worker interests at EU level. Both IBEC and ICTU, representing Irish employers and workers. participated fully in the development of the framework agreement. I am sure this involvement will greatly facilitate the preparation and progress of Irish legislation to give effect to this directive.
I expect the legislation will be enacted within the timeframe provided in the framework agreement appended to the directive. This timeframe allows two years from 3 June 1996 for implementation of parental leave and an additional one year is provided, if necessary, to take account of particular difficulties or implementation by collective agreement.
I have no intention to delay implementation of this commitment in the timeframe allowed and contacts for consultation with the social partners on the legislation have already been established.