Ireland: Domestic Violence Leave Will Come into Effect on 27 November 2023

Domestic violence leave, which is provided for under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, is a new type of leave providing for five days of paid leave for an employee, in any period of 12 consecutive months at their full rate of pay, who is suffering or has suffered domestic violence. There is no minimum service requirement to avail of this leave, and employees will not be obliged to produce evidence in support of their application for leave.  It is, however, acceptable for an employer to seek sufficient explanation from the employee in order to ascertain if an entitlement to domestic violence leave arises.

The aim of the leave is to enable the employee (or a “relevant person” as defined under the legislation) to seek medical assistance, obtain support services and counselling, relocate either temporarily or permanently, seek legal advice/assistance, seek assistance from an Garda Síochána (Irish police force), or obtain a safety or barring order from the courts.

The Irish government has published a range of policy supports for employers to ensure they are well placed to deal with a situation where an employee seeks domestic violence leave or when they become aware that an employee is a victim of domestic violence.