Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

99. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline progress regarding the provision of statutory domestic violence leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36706/22]

Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

149. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on progressing plans to introduce paid leave for survivors of domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35992/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 149 together.

Conscious of the risk of poverty those fleeing Domestic Violence face, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to investigate the provision of paid leave and social protection provision to victims of domestic violence.

The issue of domestic violence leave has been researched by my officials and has included consideration of domestic violence leave at international level, identifying best practice and developing a suitable model for roll-out in Ireland.

The Department has also engaged in a targeted consultation process with relevant stakeholders and social partners to examine how a scheme of leave should operate to address the needs of victims most effectively. This has included consulting with the monitoring committee of the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, employers' groups and trade unions. Stakeholders of the National Equality Strategy Committees have also been consulted.

A report is being prepared based on this work, which will be brought to Government shortly. The report will include recommendations on how best to support employees experiencing domestic abuse, including proposals for the introduction of domestic violence leave. I intend to progress this leave as part of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill which is currently being drafted.