Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

These amendments revise the proposals in section 7 of the Bill and, in particular, the new section 13AA(7), which provides for the regulation-making power for the Minister in setting the level of pay for domestic violence leave. Amendment No. 2 proposes to amend section 13AA(1), which provides for the circumstances in which an employee is entitled to domestic violence leave. The amendment does not make any policy changes, but merely rewords the section for drafting clarity, including ensuring the lists of purposes for which an employee can avail of the leave is not exhaustive. Amendments Nos. 3 and 7 amend the provisions around the regulation-making power for the Minister to set the level of payment for the leave and take on board the issues raised by Senators during debate on Seanad Committee Stage.

These amendments do two things, which I have spoken to already. First, they delete one of those higher level considerations that were previously in the list of considerations looking at macro-economic climates. Second, and more importantly, they insert a consideration that the Minister has to engage with and seek the views of NGOs working in the domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, DSGBV, sector prior to making any determination on the rate. That is a reflection of issues and specific amendments that were introduced by some Opposition Senators in the Seanad.

The other amendments listed are technical and flow from the substantive changes to section 7. I am conscious there should be no barrier to an employee taking up this leave. It is a vital form of leave. It could present a way out of a dangerous situation for a victim. These concerns will be foremost in my mind in making any regulations. I recommend that these amendments are accepted.

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