Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2026
252. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1694 and 1695 of 9 June 2026, the “exceptional circumstances” referred to where an employer may consider it appropriate to request supporting documentation; if guidance is or will be provided; and her plans to ensure that the spirit of the Act underpins employers’ dealings with employees seeking leave to access supports. [50161/26]
View answerWith regard to the previous response, I would note that the Department commissioned Women’s Aid to develop supports for employers to develop their own domestic violence workplace policies, including templates and guidance, all of which are available at www.dvatwork.ie.
In respect of the Circular 16/2023: Civil Service Domestic Violence and Abuse Policy & Supports, the development and implementation of this policy is a matter for my cabinet colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and questions regarding its specifics should be referred to his Department.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is required to carry out a review of the domestic violence leave provision of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. The review will take place in the coming months, with discussions taking place on the scoping and timing of the review.
