The publication this week of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022 means that children will now get the "best start in life". That's according to Cavan Monaghan Fianna Fail TD, Deputy Niamh Smyth, who added parents will also be supported in spending more time with their children during "those precious years".
The Bill is set to provide for a range of measures to improve family-friendly work practices and support women in the work force. Deputy Smyth highlighted how it will also allow for the provision of "significant assistance" to those who are suffering domestic, sexual or gender-based violence.
She added that Ireland has now become the first country in Europe to legislate for paid leave for victims of domestic violence. "Through a wide-ranging suite of measures, this bill will provide additional flexibility to ensure that parents and carers can be supported to balance their working and family lives," she added.
"It also provide significant assistance to those who are suffering domestic, sexual or gender-based violence. The Government has always prioritised the issue of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence, and Ireland will now become one of the first countries in Europe to introduce a right to paid leave for victims of domestic violence.
"The Government also approved the Domestic Violence Leave Report which includes recommendations on how best to support employees experiencing domestic abuse."
