Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 6

Written Answers. - EU Directive on Parental Leave.

Nora Owen

Question:

240 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he applied for a derogation on the parental leave EU directive; if he has received an answer to this request; when did he inform the social partners of his application in this regard; and when does he propose to introduce the necessary legislation to implement the directive which was promised. [12722/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

There has been no application for a derogation from the EU Directive on Parental Leave. The Government intends to comply fully with the terms of the Directive.

The deadline for transposition of the Directive into national law is 3 June 1998, but there is provision for a maximum additional period of one year in case of "special difficulties". On 13 February 1998 my Department contacted the EU Commission seeking an additional six months in which to transpose the directive. This approach was made by my Department because of its assessment of the likely time frame for finalisation of the legislation. The Commission acceded to this request on 31 March, confirming that such a deferment would be in full compliance with the directive. The social partners were informed of this request at a meeting on 21 May within the framework of Partnership 2000.

The Parental Leave Bill, 1998, which will give effect to the directive, will be published shortly.