Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
6. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the expected timeline for the introduction of paid domestic violence leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28543/22]
View answerSince its formation, this Government has made it clear that tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a key priority. Counsious of the risk of poverty those fleeing Domestic Violence face, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to investigate the provision of paid leave and social protection provision to victims of domestic violence.
The issue of domestic violence leave has been researched by officials in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. This research has included consideration of domestic violence leave at international level, identifying best practice and developing a suitable model for roll-out in Ireland.
The Department has engaged in a targeted consultation process with relevant stakeholders and social partners to examine how a scheme of leave should operate to address the needs of victims most effectively. This has included consulting with the monitoring committee of the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, employers' groups and trade unions. Stakeholders of the National Equality Strategy Committees have also been consulted.
I have met with a number of employer representative bodies in relation to the domestic violence leave, as well as the upcoming Work Life Balance Bill, including IBEC, Chambers Ireland and ICTU. Some of the issues that have arrisen with the groups has been the need for support for employers implementing such leave, as well as the need for flexibility in terms of people taking up the leave, and the documentation that would be required to support and application for domestic violence leave.
A report is being prepared based on this work, which will be brought to Government shortly. The report will include recommendations on how best to support employees experiencing domestic abuse, including proposals for the introduction of domestic violence leave. I intend to progress this leave as part of the Work Life Balance Bill.
