Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
1221. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the date on which the consultation on the establishment of a statutory entitlement to paid domestic violence leave is due to conclude; and if he will publish the findings of this consultation. [18553/21]
View answerThe Government has committed in the Programme for Government 'Our Shared Future' to investigate the provision of paid leave and social protection provision to victims of domestic violence. My Department has been tasked with examining the feasibility of introducing such proposals and has committed to developing a report to Government within six months, with legislative proposals to follow within 4 months.
As the Deputy is aware, the development of a scheme of domestic violence leave is currently being scoped by officials in my Department, which includes the examination of domestic violence leave at international level, the identification of best practice and the development of a suitable model for rollout in Ireland.
Furthermore, my Department has conducted a number of consultations with social partners and relevant stakeholders to examine how a scheme of paid leave should operate to address the needs of victims most effectively. The consultation process included a call for written submissions, which concluded on 9 April 2021, and submissions are currently being evaluated.
The report to Government will be informed by the findings of the consultation and research into international best practice. I will publish the outcomes of the consultation process.
