The Carer's Leave Act, 2001 provides employees with an entitlement to avail of temporary unpaid leave of up to 104 weeks to enable them to care for a relevant person (close relative or friend) who has been objectively assessed by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs as being in need of full-time care and attention. 

The Act does allow for an employer and employee to agree more favourable terms to the employee than those provided for under the Act.