Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2026
160. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in cases in which an employee is on leave from their role as a result of domestic violence, as it stands the law is silent on if they need to provide proof of the domestic violence to their employer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6803/26]
View answerUnder the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, anyone experiencing or at risk of domestic violence will be entitled to take five days leave in any 12 month period in order to access supports. They will also be entitled to full pay during the period of leave.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has also commissioned Women’s Aid to develop supports for employers to develop their own domestic violence workplace policies, and all of these are available at www.dvatwork.ie.
Those wishing to avail of domestic violence leave are not required to provide proof or evidence to their employers in order to avail of the leave.
As part of the legislation, a review mechanism was included, with specific focus on the number of days under the leave. The review is due to take place this year.
Officials in the Department have been in discussion with Women’s Aid with regard to the review. Further discussions are required to finalise the manner in which the review will be undertaken, including budget considerations.
