Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
396. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the introduction of the Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47852/23]
View answerThe Organisation of Working Time Act (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021 is a Private Members' Bill that proposes a period of paid leave following a miscarriage or for the purposes of availing of reproductive healthcare. The Bill was last debated at Committee (Third) Stage of the Seanad on 20 January 2022.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is currently advancing work on the needs of working parents regarding reproductive health, including the issues raised in the Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021.
As part of this work, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has commissioned a qualitative research study to examine the workplace experiences of parents coping with pregnancy loss. The study examines whether policy interventions are required at a national level to better to support these bereaved parents in the workplace. The study focuses on people who experience pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks’ gestation, as people who have a pregnancy loss after 24 weeks’ gestation can avail of full maternity leave and paternity leave entitlements.
The study has now largely concluded, and a report is being finalised which will be published shortly. The recommendations that arise from this study will help to inform Government policy, including the development of legislation to address the issue of miscarriage leave if required.
