Government Approves Leave for Pregnancy Loss Bill
The Government has approved a proposal from the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, to draft a Leave for Pregnancy Loss Bill. The Bill will introduce statutory leave for pregnancy loss prior to 23 weeks gestation for the first time under Irish law. Under existing legislation, maternity leave is available for those who experience a loss from 23 weeks gestation and onwards. The proposed Pregnancy Loss Leave Bill aims to provide for five days of paid leave per year for individuals who experience a pregnancy loss prior to 23 weeks gestation.
The General Scheme
The proposal is to draft a Bill for pregnancy loss prior to 23 weeks gestation to recognise a loss that occurs in 1 in 4 pregnancies but goes largely unacknowledged and unrecognised.
The Bill will provide 5 days’ paid leave per year for a person experiencing a pregnancy loss prior to 23 weeks gestation. The leave will be paid by the Employer, at 70% of the daily rate capped at €110 a day, in line with statutory sick leave. The leave will also require medical certification.
The entitlement to leave will be a day one right, while the entitlement to payment will include a 13-week service requirement.
The Bill will provide for non-application of obligations under the Act for Organisations who operate a pregnancy loss scheme that is, taken as a whole, more favourable to Employees.
What This Means for Organisations
While the legislation is still working its way through the legislative process, Organisations should monitor its progress to ensure compliance when this new Employee entitlement comes into effect.
Does your Organisation need support with ever-changing employment law compliance?
Contact the team at Adare Trusted People Partners today at info@adarehrm.ie or by phone at 01 5613594 for more information and a confidential discussion on how we can assist your Organisation.