EQUALITY Minister Roderic O’Gorman has been asked to back a Sinn Féin bill to deliver a statutory annual entitlement of up to ten days’ domestic violence paid leave.
The call was made by Limerick Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan who, along with his party leader Mary Lou McDonald, proposed the Organisation of Working Time (Domestic Violence Leave) Bill in November 2019.
“The Bill, which has been re-introduced in the current Dáil by Deputies McDonald and Louise O’Reilly, proposes paid domestic violence leave days to those experiencing domestic abuse,” he explained.
“The intent was to provide the space for those experiencing such abuse to take time out of work to put in place safeguards to protect themselves without the fear of losing pay. It seeks to provide for a statutory annual entitlement of up to ten days’ paid leave. I’m happy to see that the bill is progressing through the Dáil and was discussed at Committee this week.”
He said it also addresses unpredictable absenteeism and reduced productivity for employers.
“Throughout the Committee, stakeholders and organisations who provide support for victims of domestic violence outlined their support for the bill.
“If we are to end the epidemic of domestic abuse in this State, we need a whole of society response that both supports and protects women, and a key element of this is delivering paid domestic violence leave.”
Deputy Quinlivan called on Minister O’Gorman not to delay the matter any further and work to have this bill enacted into law as a matter of urgency.
“The message was clear at the Committee this week – no delays, no excuses – victims and survivors need action now.
“The onus now is on all of us to do more. Sinn Féin is urging all political parties to support this legislation,” he added.
