Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)

I support the amendments that are being taken together. Amendment No. 11 is similar to the amendment being tabled by Deputy Lynch, or at least the concept is the same. I agree with Deputy Morgan that this is happening anyway among good employers. Many people cannot afford to take unpaid leave. All we can do as legislators is facilitate matters. I believe the Minister of State is likely to accept this amendment. It is not asking for a great deal, just for slightly more flexibility. Employers still have the right to say "No" as long as they can give a good enough reason. The majority of employers are excellent and do what they can for their employees. However, there will always be the few awkward individuals who will make life difficult, mainly because they like to bully. For no apparent good reasons they will tend to block arrangements such as this and make life difficult for employers, and that is a pity. Our job is try to prevent this and to encourage good employers to do what is right for their workers when they can.

We all accept that it might not always be possible to be flexible and to give employees what they need. However, when there is no justifiable business reason, such leave should not be blocked. We are merely trying to facilitate matters and encourage such initiatives.

See this speech in context