IrelandI need to take time off for a family emergency.
You may be entitled to unpaid carer’s leave under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, but there is no general statutory right to paid time off for family emergencies in Ireland.
What the Law Says
Ireland does not have a general statutory right to paid time off for family emergencies. However, the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 provides limited unpaid leave for caring responsibilities — which may apply depending on the nature of your family emergency.
The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, section 19, sets out the right to carer’s leave — unpaid leave taken to provide full-time care to a person who needs it due to illness or disability. This is not a general 'family emergency' leave, but it may cover urgent caregiving situations.
To qualify, you must have at least 12 months’ continuous service with your employer. You’re entitled to up to 13 weeks of unpaid carer’s leave per care recipient, and you must give your employer at least 5 working days’ notice (unless impractical due to urgency).
Importantly, this leave is unpaid and does not guarantee your exact job back — though you are entitled to return to the same or suitable alternative position with no loss of service or pension rights.
Statutory TextAn employee shall be entitled to carer's leave for a period or periods not exceeding in total thirteen weeks in respect of any one relevant person.
— Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, s. 19 — Carer's leave
What to Do
Check your employment contract or company policy — some employers offer paid compassionate or emergency leave even if not required by law.
If your emergency involves caring for a sick or dependent family member, confirm whether you meet the 12-month service requirement for carer’s leave under the 1997 Act.
Give your employer at least 5 working days’ notice of carer’s leave — or as much notice as reasonably possible if the situation is urgent.
Put your request in writing, stating the reason, expected duration, and confirming it’s under section 19 of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.
If your employer refuses carer’s leave without valid grounds (e.g., you don’t meet eligibility), contact the Workplace Relations Commission for advice.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.