Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2015
39. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware that the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in its recommendations referred to the need to prioritise the enactment of the Family Leave Bill 2014, and to introduce a statutory entitlement to paternity leave for all fathers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27365/15]
View answerI am aware that the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Committee in its recent country review recommended, inter alia, that Ireland expedites the enactment of the Family Leave Bill to ensure a statutory entitlement to all family-care related leaves, including paternity leave.
As already announced, the Government has approved the drafting of the Family Leave Bill to consolidate with amendments into one piece of legislation the current provisions regarding maternity, adoptive, parental and carer’s leave. As part of that exercise, active consideration is being given to the introduction of two weeks paid paternity leave - as announced previously by the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection.
