Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
243. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are any guidelines for businesses to follow in relation to employees who are in the process of IVF; are employees provided with any protections in terms of guaranteed time off for medical appointments, job security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7498/24]
View answerThe Government fully understands the importance of progressing policy proposals on reproductive health leave. However, this is a complex policy area and one which requires detailed assessment and sufficient consideration in advance of introducing legislation.
A qualitative research study commissioned by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is currently being considered as part of the development of Government policy and legislative proposals on reproductive health leave.
In relation to job security, the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 to 2015 protects employees from being unfairly dismissed from their jobs. It places the onus on the employer to show there were substantial grounds to justify a dismissal and stipulates that fair procedures must be followed when dismissing an employee. A complaint can be brought to the Workplace Relations Commission for adjudication in the event of a suspected breach of the Act.
