Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
18. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the consultation that he has held with social partners on the work life balance and miscellaneous provisions Bill 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28400/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 21 April the Government gave its approval for the drafting of a Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, the main purpose of which is to transpose elements of the EU Work Life Balance Directive and provide new rights to parents and carers in order to support a better work life balance. The General Scheme of the proposed Bill, which is published on my Department's website, has been referred to the Office of the Attorney General for drafting of the Bill.
The General Scheme has also been referred to the Oireachtas Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for pre-legislative scrutiny.
I have invited ICTU as representatives of trade unions, and Chambers Ireland, Ibec, and ISME representing employer's interests to meet with me to discuss the draft General Scheme of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill and to hear their views on its content and potential impact. They have also been consulted as to how it can be implemented so to maximise the potential benefits for employees and mitigate any potentially negative impact on employers. These discussions are ongoing.
It is intended that the legislation will be passed and enacted prior to summer recess.
