Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

That is correct. The Deputy and I had this argument previously. I firmly believe in the social partnership model that has existed here for almost 20 years and has been the bedrock not only of industrial peace but also of very significant improvements in respect of family workplaces etc. As legislators it would be entirely inappropriate for us to make legislation without regard to the very central social partnership negotiations that have been fundamental to the economic success of the country. Therefore I would not be prepared to take unilateral action in the Dáil without regard to social partnership negotiations and without regard to ensuring legislation such as that governing maternity leave and adoptive leave contains these important links that are essential in the interests of parity and equality.

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