James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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172. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address an issue in relation to the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 (details supplied). [6552/22]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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An amendment to expand the definition of "leave year" under the Organisation of Time Act 1997, to take account of other 12 month periods and provide clarity around the taking of annual leave, is under consideration. Such a proposal will require the amendment of primary legislation.

In contrast, the recent introduction of new public holidays was done via regulations and was a more straightforward process.

In relation to employment rights legislation, Government are currently prioritising the introduction of five new rights for workers. These are:

- Statutory Sick Leave,

- The Right to request remote work,

- A new public holiday,

- New rights around redundancy for people laid off during the pandemic,

- Better protection of workplace tips.