Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chair. First of all, I apologise on my own behalf. My challenging the language probably escalated things even more, so apologies for that. It is hard not to challenge it but I also see the role I played in probably escalating that very quickly by challenging it. I apologise for the interruption and any hurt that caused.

I have two questions. One is for Mr. Kenny Moore and the other is for Ms Bonnie. I am thinking in practical terms about gay dads and what Mr. Kenny Moore said about the social welfare system and everything that entails. When we think of maternity leave and the length of maternity leave we obviously think of that with respect to women. What are the very real, practical supports in the form of legislative changes that would be needed or required for gay men to access an equivalent to maternity leave? Of course, we still need access to maternity leave with surrogacy but that needs to be extended to ensure it includes gay dads. I am wondering what type of practical supports are needed when looking towards a better legislative process to ensure dads can also take that much-needed time off to be able to psychologically and socially bond with their child?