Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on 4th April. Its aim is to support employees to achieve a better balance between their home lives and work lives.

An Order commencing much of the Act will be made on 3rd July 2023. This includes the provisions introducing 5 days leave for medical care purposes for employees and the extension of breastfeeding breaks to two years after the birth of the child.

Section 7 of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 introduces 5 days paid domestic violence leave. Under section 7, regulations are to be made setting out a rate of pay for the leave. In line with the provisions of the Act, I have written to employers representatives, employees representatives and domestic violence support providers seeking their views on the rate of pay. Work on the regulations is ongoing and I intend to publish the regulations and commence the relevant provisions in the autumn.

The right to request flexible working for parents and carers will be commenced once a Code of Practice has been prepared by the Workplace Relations Commission in line with Part 4 of the Act. Work on the development of the Code of Practice is ongoing. The Workplace Relations Commission have recently held a public consultation, which was receiving submissions up until 9 June.

Commencement of Parts 3 and 4 of the Act is a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.