Force majeure is a type of leave you can take in urgent, unexpected situations involving your family. It applies if a close family member is injured or ill and needs your immediate attention.
To qualify, your family member must be one of the following:
- your child, including an adopted child
- your spouse or someone you live with as husband or wife
- someone you are acting as a parent for (in loco parentis)
- your brother or sister
- your parent or grandparent
You may also qualify if the person is someone who lives with you but is not included in the list above. You and this person must be in a relationship of domestic dependency, meaning you rely on one another in your daily life. You both depend on each other to arrange care when either of you is ill or injured.
Force majeure leave must not exceed:
- 3 working days in any period of 12 consecutive months
- 5 working days in any period of 36 consecutive months
How to apply
Apply for force majeure leave on HR and Payroll Self Service.
National HR Employee Helpdesk
Phone: 1800 444 925
Email: ask.hr@hse.ie
The helpdesk is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 12 noon