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

Earlier this year, the Work Life Balance And Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 was signed into law. It includes five days leave paid for victims of domestic violence. I am pleased to confirm that the provisions relating to domestic violence leave will be commenced on 27 November. From that day, people will be entitled to claim the leave where needed. Once introduced, Ireland will become one of the first countries in Europe to provide a statutory right to paid leave for domestic violence victims.

The introduction of this new right will help to ensure that no one who is experiencing domestic violence will be at risk of poverty or loss of income while seeking support. In order to support employers with the implementation of this new leave, my Department has commissioned Women’s Aid to develop supports for employers on their own domestic violence workplace policies. A dedicated website has been established, DVatWork.ie, where employers can find a guidance note and policy template and can also sign up for training webinars. In addition, an advice service for employers will be offered for the next six months.

This Government is committed to a zero tolerance approach to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. These new supports will help to ensure that workplaces are safe spaces for employees who have experienced domestic violence and who need help to move towards lives free of any such violence.

The implementation of this new measure from 27 November is a significant step forward. As I say, Ireland will be one of the first European countries to implement this leave on a paid statutory basis. I am particularly grateful for the co-operation of the trade unions and employers groups, and, in particular, of Women's Aid, in designing the policy templates to assist employers in implementing this important new innovation.

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