Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
312. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if, given the vulnerability of domestic violence victims, domestic violence leave will be paid in full, at 100% of the person's normal rate of pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26786/23]
View answer322. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he will publish the domestic violence leave regulations provided for in the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 to prescribe the daily rate of domestic violence leave pay; and if he will clarify that the prescribed rate of pay will not involve a reduction in the rate of pay for victims of domestic violence as previously committed to. [27007/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 322 together.
The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, which was recently signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins, includes provisions which will introduce 5 days paid domestic violence leave in a 12-month period. Ireland has become one of the first countries in European to introduce a right to such leave.
The level of pay for the leave will be set out by regulations, and these regulations will be prepared in the coming months to allow for the commencement of the domestic violence leave provisions. In preparing these regulations, I have invited views from domestic violence victim support organisations, employers, and social partners, as they provide a crucial perspective on how family leaves could and should operate in practice. I am acutely aware of the need to support employees in taking up this leave, and this will be a fundamental consideration in developing the regulations.
The introduction of domestic violence leave is an important achievement and a key commitment that was set out in the 2020 Programme for Government. It is hoped that it will make a meaningful difference for victims of domestic violence in all its forms, and will provide the support that victims need to stay in employment and to ensure their own safety and the safety of their loved ones.
