Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2023
130. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he will make the order or orders required to bring the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31486/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on 4th April. Its aim is to support employees to achieve a better balance between their home lives and work lives.
An Order commencing much of the Act will be made on 3rd July 2023. This includes the provisions introducing 5 days leave for medical care purposes for employees and the extension of breastfeeding breaks to two years after the birth of the child.
Section 7 of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 introduces 5 days paid domestic violence leave. Under section 7, regulations are to be made setting out a rate of pay for the leave. In line with the provisions of the Act, I have written to employers representatives, employees representatives and domestic violence support providers seeking their views on the rate of pay. Work on the regulations is ongoing and I intend to publish the regulations and commence the relevant provisions in the autumn.
The right to request flexible working for parents and carers will be commenced once a Code of Practice has been prepared by the Workplace Relations Commission in line with Part 4 of the Act. Work on the development of the Code of Practice is ongoing. The Workplace Relations Commission have recently held a public consultation, which was receiving submissions up until 9 June.
Commencement of Parts 3 and 4 of the Act is a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
