Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 June 2018
223. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 415, 416 and 417 of 12 June 2018, the timeline or plan for the amendment of the Adoptive Leave Act 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26635/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Section 6 of the Adoptive Leave Act 1995 provides for an entitlement to 24 weeks adoptive leave for an employed adopting mother or a sole male adopter.
Following adoption of the 34th amendment to the Constitution and its subsequent legislative changes, my Department identified a lacuna in the Adoptive Leave Act 1995 that prevents male same-sex married couples from availing of adoptive leave and benefits.
To address this lacuna, my Department has prepared draft legislative proposals that will amend the Adoptive Leave Act and will afford the same entitlements to adoptive leave and benefits to all couples who are married, co-habiting or who are in a civil partnership, irrespective of gender.
While it is not possible, at present, to provide a precise timeframe for the amending of the Act, work is underway in my Department in reviewing how best to advance these legislative proposals. One possibility is that the proposals could be included with those planned on paid parental leave as part of a general consolidation project in a Family Leave Bill.
