Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue. Since its formation, the Government has made it clear that tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a priority. The Government has approved the recommendations in the report prepared by the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, for the introduction of paid domestic violence leave. On its introduction, Ireland will be one of the first countries in Europe to adopt domestic violence paid leave. The provisions will be introduced by means of Committee Stage amendments to the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill which is before the Houses at present.

I believe the Deputy is aware of the six recommendations from the domestic violence leave report. Work is under way to implement that. We will work with all the organisations to ensure there is buy-in for it.

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