Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:92. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the proposed extension of parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13287/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 22 March 2018
Ceisteanna (92)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Partnership Government includes a commitment to increase paid leave for parents during the first year of a child’s life, as research shows that parental care is of particular importance during this time. The Government has established an interdepartmental working group to develop proposals to give effect to this commitment and I expect it to make its report at the end of next month.
The Government’s commitment to introduce a paid parental leave entitlement is also in keeping with the policy approach put forward by the European Commission's proposal for a work-life balance directive. The key proposal in the Directive is that parental leave should be made available to parents on a paid basis, and it is currently under discussion at working group level.