Clare Haven says clarification is needed on some aspects of the newly-introduced domestic violence leave.
It comes as Ireland has become one of the first countries in Europe to bring in paid leave for victims of domestic abuse.
The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has announced that employees experiencing domestic violence can avail of five days of paid leave from the coming Autumn.
While the rate of sick pay is 70%, Minister Roderic O’Gorman has confirmed that the rate of domestic violence pay will be 100% of the person’s salary due to its “unique circumstances”.
If an employee wishes to avail of domestic violence leave, they need only notify their employer and unlike in the case of sick pay, they will not need to provide evidence.
In addition, the employee will have recourse through the Workplace Relations Commission if an employer refuses to co-operate with their request.
Clare Haven manager Siobhan O’Connor says while the announcement is welcome, it remains to be seen whether the leave only applies to employees for whom domestic violence in ongoing.
Although most new legislation has a review clause after four or five years, Minister O’Gorman has confirmed that the domestic violence leave will be reviewed after two years and that after that point, “there’s an opportunity to extend the amount of time for which it can be taken”.
As there is no requirement to provide evidence in order to secure domestic violence leave oweing to the issue’s complex nature, some people have suggested that this leaves it open to being abused.
Solicitor and Ennis Chamber president Sheila Lynch says the legislation must be monitored to ensure those who need it are availing of it.
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