A number of income supports are available from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection of Ireland for employees during a COVID-19 related absence or temporary lay-off from work.
- Where it is not possible to make appropriate compassionate leave arrangements, employees can call on some statutory entitlements.
- An employee is entitled to paid leave, known as ‘force majeure leave’ to provide urgent care for an immediate family relative such as a child, spouse, brother, sister, parent or grandparent.
- Force majeure leave is also available to a partner who is living with the employee.
- Force majeure is limited to a total of three days in a 12 month period or five days in a 36 month period.