Vol. 519 No. 2
296 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give details of the assessment that has taken place with Government Departments in view of the recent European Court decision on parental leave; when he will be in a position to make recommendations to Government on the necessary response to this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13600/00]
The European Commission issued a reasoned opinion on 3 April 2000, to the effect that Ireland, by restricting the right to parental leave to employees with children born or adopted on or after 3 June 1996, had not fully complied with its obligations under clause 2(1) of the framework agreement on parental leave annexed to Directive 96/34/EC (Parental Leave Directive). My Department has examined the reasoned opinion, in consultation with the Attorney General's office, with a view to identifying the measures to be put in place to give effect to it. My Department has met with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions – ICTU – and the Irish Business and Employers Confederation – IBEC – in relation to implementation of the reasoned opinion. Consultations with the European Commission are also ongoing. In order to ensure that the reasoned opinion is responded to in an expeditious manner, it would be my intention to amend the Parental Leave Act, 1998 by way of regulations under the European Communities Act, 1972.
