Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I too raise the comments from IBEC. They are deeply disappointing. Once again, IBEC finds itself on the wrong side of history.It has objected to the minimum wage. It has objected to environmental measures. Now IBEC is looking for survivors of domestic violence to prove they are actually suffering from domestic violence, to avoid what IBEC says is potential abuse of this leave. This narrative that people would abuse the right to take leave is something that we have seen before when it comes to any of these progressive measures. It is not just disappointing but in this case it is particularly disturbing. Survivors of domestic violence, the majority of whom are women, often suffer in silence. They often downplay the abusive behaviour of their partners until it gets to the point where it is life-threatening. Unfortunately, in some cases this is too late. As a society we need to play our part and take every measure we can to put an end to domestic violence. This includes encouraging and supporting those who are experiencing it to seek help without fear or favour. Financial security is important to those who are trying to escape from a domestic violence situation. An Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU, report has found that 20% of workers took leave from work that involved attending medical appointments, attending court appearances, or trying to find alternative accommodation. When I was an MEP in 2016 I brought forward the first proposal at an EU level for any European Union country calling for paid domestic violence leave. That action was then taken up by my colleague Deputy O'Reilly in the Dáil, and a Private Members' motion was passed calling for ten days of paid domestic violence leave. I welcome the fact that the Government acted on that, albeit for five days. I call on IBEC to reflect on its comments, to do the right thing, to stand up for decency and to put an end for the scourge of domestic violence in society.