Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 18 October 2022

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth

Organisation of Working Time (Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2020: Discussion (Resumed)

Photo of Alan DillonAlan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Yes. I am in the Leinster House precinct. I thank the Chair for the opportunity. I welcome the witnesses. I support paid leave and social protection provisions for victims of domestic violence and welcome the opportunity to discuss it.

What are the witnesses' thoughts on eligibility for leave, particularly with the definition of employee that is used in the legislation and the length of employment that is required before people are able to access leave? How would employers fulfil their statutory obligation to grant that leave? I note the Tánaiste recently rejected IBEC's suggestion that proof would be required for domestic abuse paid leave. What are the witnesses' thoughts on IBEC's submission? Will they provide some insight on the eligibility for leave for women who are subjected to domestic violence?

The Minister recently stated that the role of the Workplace Relations Commission would require close examination and expressed concerns about the privacy of victims. What considerations in the domestic violence leave report will address the privacy of victims?

My last question relates to the proposed introduction of five days paid leave for victims of domestic violence to be taken within 12 months, with the provision to be reviewed within two years. Why not introduce a ten-day option now? What will the review within a two-year period entail?