Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations. I want to go back to parental leave, which we know is for fathers. The reason most fathers do not take it is that they cannot survive on €250 because, given that we are talking about the gender pay gap, they are possibly earning more than their wives or partners anyway. Are there any countries where it is obligatory for companies to make up the difference? Where is the gender pay gap in those countries? Is it as stark as it is in Ireland? That is one question.

Do the witnesses agree with the National Women's Council that positive laws rather than soft recommendations could make a difference? Gender quotas can be controversial, in particular when women who are put forward in politics might get on the ticket before men in their group. It is controversial because women want to feel that they got there on merit. At the same time, it is important that women get through the door so that they can make the difference and be seen in politics. Sometimes this generation of women just have to shoulder that burden for future generations. Do the witnesses have any comments on that?

Professor Galligan mentioned previously that she felt parties were not reaching the quotas. Sinn Féin supports increasing the quota to 40%, and for local elections as well. It is very important to put the onus on parties in that regard because when they look around their groups, they will find women who are well capable of working. Politics is about people and policies, and women are quite good at working out new things like that. Does Professor Galligan have any comments on that matter? Deputy Carroll MacNeill stated that the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, is having her second baby. I was so delighted when I heard that. This might sound controversial, but by having a second baby in one term, she is putting it up to the people who might say "There she is having another baby". Deputy McDonald got a lot of stick in the media when she was having her children while she was an MEP. Congratulations to the Minister for doing it and for being brave enough to say she wants to have a second baby. The witnesses can share their comments. I will probably come in on the next round as well.