1 in 6 couples in Ireland may experience infertility. Ireland is now the only EU state where fertility treatment is not either part funded or reimbursed by the public health system. A lack of national legislation, and publicly funded fertility treatment has an impact on individuals both in their personal life and their careers. In UCD’s Athena SWAN submission 2020, it was noted that “the requirement for supports for women fertility treatment has been raised by employees, in terms of flexibility around leave and facilities for storing medication”. 11.56% of respondents, to UCD’s EDI Survey 2021, feel that UCD does not provides sufficient supports with regard to fertility. A further 83.48% of respondents are not sure if sufficient supports are provided and 3.4% preferred not to say. 1.53% of respondents agreed that there are sufficient supports. UCD has identified the need for policy, guidance and support for employees and managers in the workplace when navigating their fertility journey.
A private members bill, Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021, is currently before the Seanad at stage three. A proposed period of paid leave consequent upon miscarriage or for the purposes of availing of reproductive healthcare; for that purpose to amend the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997; to extend the protection against unfair dismissals Acts 1977 to 2015; to provide for consequential amendment of certain other Acts; and to provide for related matters.