Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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578. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding parental leave. [31051/15]

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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Under the Parental Leave Act 1998 (as amended) both parents are entitled to 18 weeks unpaid parental leave on the birth or adoption of a child. Such leave may be taken until the child has reached the age of eight years with certain extensions allowed in the case of adoptees and children with a disability or long-term illness.The leave may be taken as a continuous block of 18 weeks, or, if the employer agrees, broken up over a period of time. For example, the employee can take the leave as individual weeks, days or hours. An employer may decide to postpone the parental leave, if granting the leave would have a substantial adverse effect on the operation of the business. The postponement may be for a period not exceeding six months to a date agreed on by both the employer and the employee. Written notification of the intended postponement must be given to the employee no later than four weeks before the commencement date.The employer must give reasons why the leave is being postponed and must consult the employee before issuing such notice. Disputes regarding parental leave may be referred for adjudication to the Workplace Relations Commission by either the employee or employer within 6 months of the dispute arising.

While I would encourage employers to be as accommodating as possible in granting parental leave to suit the needs of individual parents, I recognise that regard also must be had to the business needs of organisations including seasonal variations in work volumes and the absences of other employees at the same time - particularly during the summer months. I am satisfied the current regime provides considerable flexibility in that regard together with the possibility to involve the Workplace Relations Commission where disputes arise.