Littler Global Guide - Ireland - Q2 2019

Browse through brief employment and labor law updates from around the globe. Contact a Littler attorney for more information or view our global locations.

Download full Q2 2019 Global Guide Quarterly

Changes to Immigration Law Help Address Skills Shortages

New Legislation Enacted

Author: Emmet Whelan, Partner – ByrneWallace

Three recent developments in the area of corporate immigration will improve access for foreign workers to the Irish labor market. These developments include changes to the list of occupations deemed as critical to the Irish economy and will help to address skills shortages in certain industry sectors, including construction and sports.

New Legislation to Bring Extra Leave and Benefits for Parents

New Legislation Enacted

Author: Emmet Whelan, Partner – ByrneWallace

Two recent developments in the area of parental leave are set to increase the amount of both paid and unpaid leave that can be taken by parents. The Irish Parliament (Oireachtas) has passed the Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2019, which increases the amount of unpaid parental leave available to parents from 18 weeks to an eventual total of 26 weeks for each child. In addition, the Government announced the Heads of the Parental Leave and Benefit Bill 2019, which seeks to introduce two weeks paid parental leave, rising to seven weeks in 2021, for each parent.

Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.