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

In line with Article 6 of the work-life balance directive, the Bill provides for five days leave for medical care purposes. The amendment would extend this entitlement to ten days. The Bill is introducing a range of new entitlements, and that is positive. These entitlements have been discussed at length with social partners, unions and representatives of employers. I have engaged in some of those negotiations, as have my officials. It has to be understood in the context of other developments, such as the extension of paid parent's leave which, as we know, has gone from two weeks to seven weeks per parent during the lifetime of this Government. It is important that any changes we make are balanced in terms of their impact on employers. This is why we had always indicated it would be five days under this heading. It is relevant to note that carer's leave and carer's benefit may also be available to some people under this heading. I am not in a position to accept the amendment.