Ms Orla O'Connor:

I wanted to discuss the issue of maternity benefit because Senator Henry raised that issue about the public sector. She is correct. I would not say it is easier, but there are more progressive policies. What is important around maternity benefit and leave is to look at the countries with strong leave policies. They have thriving SME sectors and a high proportion of female entrepreneurs. We can manage this. It is possible and these countries do much better than we are doing in Ireland.

I also want to return to Senator Byrne's comments on grandparents. This is a very important issue because grandparents are so involved in child care in Ireland. Is putting in place policies that enhance the best approach to this issue? A recent study, which I think was carried out by TILDA, around the involvement of grandparents discusses the mental health of grandparents and depression among grandparents in terms of providing child care. The issue emerging in this study, with which we are familiar, because we often talk about grandmothers in this context and there is a gender issue, is choice. Of course, grandparents want to spend time with their grandchildren, but it is about choice and not necessarily being factored into the provision of child care. That is critical.

I was actually going to agree with Senator White in that we do need to include early years in our view of education.