Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will make a declaration of interest, in that I am chair of Early Childhood Ireland. It is a governance role, but I wanted to say that in case someone did not know.

I welcome everyone who presented to the committee. I was heartened to hear each of them highlighting the first year and the importance of parents and of the State providing them time to spend with their children. Senator White has joined us. She sponsored a Bill - it has passed Committee Stage in the Seanad - to ensure maternity and paternity leave. Take Sweden as an example.