Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
744. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to expand the parental leave process to further strengthen support for parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32892/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Partnership Government includes a commitment to increase paid parental leave during the first year of a child’s life, as research shows that parental care is of particular importance in the first year of life. To further this commitment, the Government established an interdepartmental group to consider the matter.
The key objectives of this group are to:
- Develop options as to the duration of the leave, the age of the eligible child, and the level of payment to be offered;
- Determine the usefulness of adopting a phased approach;
- Estimate the likely costs arising; and
- Align any proposals as much as possible with a European Commission Proposal for a Directive on work-life balance for parents and carers which is due to be discussed in trilogues between the European Parliament, Council Presidency and Commission.
The interdepartmental group has almost completed its work on developing a policy approach to implement the Programme commitments, and is in the process of putting the final touches to its report. Given that Government will need to consider the Report, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be premature to give any details in relation to the expansion of parental leave.
