Vol. 501 No. 6
344 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to reports that the Parental Leave Act, 1998, is not in keeping with the EU directive on leave for the parents of young children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6602/99]
I understand that following the Parental Leave Act coming into operation on 3 December 1998, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions – ICTU – formally lodged a complaint with the European Commission to the effect that Ireland had not correctly transposed the EU Directive on Parental Leave as it has restricted entitlement to such leave to parents of children born or adopted on or after 3 June 1996.
My Department has, as yet, received no formal communication from the European Commission regarding this matter. I understand, however, that this complaint is currently at the stage of investigation formally by the European Commission and that my Department will hear shortly from the Commission in the matter.
