Mayo TD calls for paid leave for victims of domestic violence

A Mayo TD urged politicians to back legislation on paid leave for people affected by domestic violence.

The Organisation of Working Time (Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2019 would give survivors of domestic violence a statutory entitlement to paid leave for 10 days.

This would enable workers to attend medical appointments, legal hearings or time off to deal with logistical issues such as moving house.

It was first introduced in Dáil Éireann by Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald in 2019.

Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh said: “Paid leave for people affected by domestic violence is an important workers’ right.

“Workers affected by this violence should know that if they need to, they can take paid leave to attend medical appointments, legal hearings or any other appointments incurred by abuse.

"They deserve to know that support will be there from their employer if they require it.

“I am calling on all Oireachtas representatives from other parties to back this legislation and ensure that paid leave for domestic violence becomes a reality.

“The coalition’s Programme for Government contains a pledge to ‘investigate’ the possibility of creating this right.

“The government should take this opportunity. The solutions are there and if we work together, we can ensure they make a real change.

“Women can’t wait. Enough is enough. If we are serious about tackling violence against women we need to make sure that women are supported in their workplace.

"The time for political leadership is now. Women can’t wait any longer for these important rights.”