Aspect | Compassionate Leave | Force Majeure Leave |
Purpose | Time off to deal with the death of a close family member. | Emergency leave for urgent and unforeseen family crises, such as illness or injury. |
Legal Basis | No statutory entitlement in Irish law; depends on employer policies. | Provided under the Parental Leave Acts 1998 and 2019. |
Eligibility | Determined by the employment contract, workplace customs, or employer discretion. | Available for emergencies involving close family members. |
Scope | Focused on bereavement and attending to death-related matters (e.g., funerals). | Covers illness, injury, or other urgent care needs requiring immediate attention. |
Duration | Typically 1–5 days based on employer policy. | Up to 3 days in 12 months or 5 days in 36 months. |
Payment | May or may not be paid, depending on employer policy. | Paid leave during the entitlement period. |
Application Process | Informal; depends on employer’s discretion or workplace norms. | Must notify the employer immediately and submit a written application upon return. |
Documentation | Generally not required unless requested by the employer. | May require proof, such as a medical certificate, for the emergency. |
Protection | Not explicitly protected under Irish law. | Employees are protected from unfair dismissal or penalties for taking leave. |
Additional Leave | Negotiable with the employer for more time if needed. | Employer may allow additional leave, but it may not be paid. |
Source: Citizens Information