Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am in my office on the Leinster House complex. I thank all of the witnesses for their contribution and coming to Leinster House today to discuss this issue. It is exciting that we could be one of the first countries to introduce domestic violence leave. I work with refugees and Women's Aid. One of the things that has been highlighted to me over the past couple of years is that leave for domestic violence would be a game changer for many women and families because it affects women with children.

Previous contributors touched on the questions I was going to ask around the number of days of leave.

I understand why we might start off with ten days but should we not just start off with the international norm? I do not have a question on the concept of domestic violence leave but I have a question for the Department. We are very serious about introducing this leave in Ireland. However, if we create something in isolation without the necessary buy-in and understanding of general society, businesses, communities, women and victims of domestic violence, we will fail. It will not be effective. What work will be done in parallel to this Bill to support women to take up this leave? What will be done to help them to understand this is something they can do, that it is non-prejudicial and safe to do and that they will be okay? From the employers point of view, will there be an onus on them to upskill their staff? Are we going to support that upskilling so that if someone who needs this leave comes to the door of a HR manager, that manager will be able to work effectively and guide that person in the right direction?

My next question is directed at IBEC and NUI Galway. Is there a body or an organisation that can upskill staff? What is the best way to do this? This represents a significant change in our concept of domestic violence and we need societal buy-in and understanding. Are we ready? What work do we need to do to make sure we are ready?