Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Government has approved the drafting of Committee Stage amendments to the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022 to provide for a form of domestic violence leave. The amendments will amend the Parental Leave Act 1998 and will provide for 5 days paid leave for victims of domestic violence. The provisions will be guided by the recommendations of the Report on Domestic Violence Leave but will not include a requirement for proof.

Once they meet their statutory obligations, employers are free to provide a more extensive entitlement to their employees.

In line with the recommendation of the Domestic Violence Leave Report, Minister O’Gorman will commission the drafting of policy templates which are intended to allow employers develop their own Domestic Violence Leave policies. This will help foster a culture of openness and support for employees who may be experiencing domestic violence.

The templates will support employers in activating policies best designed to sensitively and appropriately respond to employees who have been victims of Domestic, Sexual & Gender Based Violence , including the provision of leave. These will be of particular assistance to Small and Medium Enterprises. The templates will also support and guide employees in respect of use of the leave.