Family leave Bill
Deputy Murphy O'Mahony asked for the status of the promised family leave legislation, especially carer's leave. The Taoiseach said work was at an early stage and heads of Bill were expected next year after considering an EU work-life balance directive.
Will the Taoiseach provide an up-to-date status on the family leave Bill? This will consolidate all family leave legislation, including carer's leave, maternity leave and adoptive leave. I have a special interest in carer's leave.
Comment on this
Work is really only at the very early stages of that legislation. We hope to have heads of Bill next year. We have to bear in mind that an EU directive on work-life balance is on the way. We do not want to introduce legislation only to find out that it contradicts a new European directive. However, we expect to have heads of Bill next year.