(1) An employee who is absent from work on carer's leave shall be regarded as still working in the employment for all purposes relating to his or her employment and none of his or her rights or obligations related to the employment shall be affected by availing of carer's leave other than -

(a) the right to -

(i) remuneration,

(ii) annual leave, except as provided for in subsection (2),

(iii) public holidays, except as provided for in subsection (3), and

(iv) superannuation benefits,

and

(b) any obligation to pay contributions in, or in respect of, the employment.

(2) Section 19 of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, shall apply to the first 13 weeks of absence from work on carer's leave for each relevant person.

(3) Section 21(1) of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, shall apply to the first 13 weeks of absence from work on carer's leave for each relevant person and shall not apply to public holidays that occur after such period of absence from work.