Pay
Paid, as normal
It is a legal right under the Parental Leave Acts. You do not have to use your annual leave when your child is sent home sick from school.
Quick facts
- Pay
- Paid, as normal
- Maximum
- 3 days in 12 months
- Over 3 years
- 5 days in total
- For
- Sudden illness or injury of a close family member
- Not for
- A death in the family
Who it covers
You can take it when a close family member is unexpectedly ill or injured and you are urgently needed. A close family member includes your child, spouse or partner, parent or grandparent, and sibling.
It also covers someone you act as a parent for, someone who depends on you for care, and others defined by law.
How much you get
You get paid while you are on force majeure leave. You can take one or more days, up to 3 days in 12 months in a row, or 5 days in total over 36 months.
Your employer or contract may give you more. If they allow extra days, check whether those are paid.
How to take it
Tell your employer straight away
You must tell your employer as soon as possible that you need force majeure leave.
Apply in writing when you return
As soon as you are back at work, you must make your application in writing.
Include the key details
Give your name, PPS number, the dates and reasons, and your relationship to the person who was ill or injured.
Check if you need a medical certificate
Your contract may ask for a medical certificate as proof of the sudden illness or injury.
Things to watch
If a close family member has died, you do not have an entitlement to force majeure leave. Ask about compassionate leave, which depends on your contract and employer.
For planned serious medical care, you can take 5 days of unpaid leave for medical care in any 12 months instead.
You cannot be unfairly dismissed for taking it, or for asking. If there is a dispute, complain to the Workplace Relations Commission. All complaints must be made within 6 months of the dispute.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- WRC Information and Customer Service (Mon to Fri 9.30am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm)
- (059) 917 8990
- WRC online complaint form
- WRC online complaint form
- If your employer refuses
- You can make a formal complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission.
- Time limit
- Complain online within 6 months of the dispute.
From the official pages (citizensinformation.ie), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
What is force majeure leave in Ireland?
Paid leave from work for an urgent family reason, such as the unexpected illness or injury of a close family member.
How many days force majeure leave can I take?
Up to 3 days in 12 consecutive months, or 5 days in total over 36 months.
Is force majeure leave paid?
Yes. You get paid while you are on force majeure leave.
Can I take force majeure leave for a funeral?
No. If a close family member has died, you do not have an entitlement to force majeure leave. You may be able to take compassionate leave.