Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
978. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will consider introducing statutory leave entitlements for individuals undergoing IVF or other fertility treatments, given the number of medical appointments involved and the financial strain currently placed on employees who must rely solely on employer discretion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39448/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the enormous pressures that are experienced by those undergoing fertility treatment.
The National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025-2030, which was launched on 18 November 2025, will also inform this work. The first Action Plan under the new Strategy is currently being developed and will include actions to support working families in balancing the competing demands of family and work. The Strategy also supports flexible working options and one’s right to avail of these so that both women and men are afforded greater choice in terms of how they manage the interaction between their caring and work responsibilities.
As part of the first Action Plan, the Department will be commissioning research with a view to providing a range of advice to employers to better support employees suffering from severe menstrual symptoms or going through menopause. It will focus on understanding employees experiences of menstruation and menopause in the workplace and how symptoms limit their daily activities. It is planned that this study will begin later this year.
Officials in this Department are continuing to engage with officials in the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with regard to the issues raised in the Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health) Bill 2021.
Family leave provisions are kept under review to ensure that they are appropriate to the needs of working parents.
