Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)

I am glad to have an opportunity to comment on the Bill, which I welcome. There is little wrong with the legislation but we cannot pat ourselves on the back in this respect because it is not introducing many new measures — it is more like window dressing. While the Bill tidies up matters, there are areas for improvement and we could do much more, as I am sure the Minister of State would admit. However, the legislation represents a good start towards getting things right.

Will the Minister of State clarify that the Bill, when enacted, will be retrospective for those who are currently on maternity leave?

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