Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."

I will be sharing time. I feel very privileged to bring forward this very important legislation which seeks to deliver a much-needed support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, a statutory entitlement to domestic violence paid leave. Today, let us not forget, is the final day of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. Quite simply, the Bill seeks to provide for a period of paid leave for people who are the victims of domestic abuse. I welcome that the Government is not opposing this legislation and look forward to working with it to bring the Bill through all Stages. I thank the staff in the Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisers, OPLA, and my colleague, Sinéad Ní Bhroin, for their work to date on this legislation. I advise the Government that this legislation will not require much by way of amendment. It is ready to go. We have already consulted widely with the sector, which had a major input into the Bill. We are all agreed that it is necessary. We all want to do the right thing so let us do so without delay.

The provision of a statutory entitlement to paid leave is an acknowledgement by legislators of the challenges that workers face when trying to escape an abusive relationship. If we are to end the epidemic of domestic abuse in this State, we need a whole-of-society response that both supports and protects victims.

Sinn Féin's legislation provides for up to ten days paid domestic leave for people who are the victims of domestic violence, whatever their gender. Importantly, workers do not have to provide proof of their abuse or documentary evidence for the leave needed as to do so would potentially act as a barrier to victims seeking the support they need. A Leas-Cheann Comhairle, the clock is not on.

See this speech in context