Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

342. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she plans to bring forward statutory parental bereavement leave; if so, the timeline for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18172/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to any parents who have been bereaved and to acknowledge that there are many people who will have experienced this loss.

There is currently no form of statutory bereavement leave of any kind in Ireland. This type of leave is normally dealt with through employment contracts.

The Government fully appreciates that parents who have experienced a bereavement need support, time and space to process their grief. However, the introduction of a new form of leave requires careful consideration to ensure that it can adequately meet the needs of employees and be practicable for employers.

My officials are considering the issues around the introduction of a form of leave in these circumstances and will liaise with officials in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment who hold the overall policy brief for workplace and employment entitlements.