Victims of domestic violence will be entitled to take five days’ leave on full pay when new regulations are signed in the autumn.

Roderic O’Gorman (Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth) announced the rate of pay after consultation with employers, trade unions and groups supporting victims of domestic violence.

The new form of leave was introduced as part of the Work Life Balance Act 2023 that was passed earlier this year.

It inserts a new section 13AA into the Parental Leave Act 1998 to provide for five days' paid domestic-violence leave.

Guidance for employers

The legislation included a requirement to consult domestic-violence support organisations on the rate of pay that would apply.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has commissioned Women’s Aid to develop guidance for employers on the issue.

This guidance will be released when the minister publishes the regulations bringing the measure into effect in the autumn.

Consultations

Minister O’Gorman said that it was important for victims of domestic violence to be able to take leave without worrying about losing income, or being put at more risk.

“Ensuring that they can receive their full pay will go a long way to help with this,” he stated.

The minister added that any issues raised in the consultations would be taken into account in the review of the provisions.