Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

We all sincerely hope that agreement is reached in the next partnership negotiations to improve the terms around parental leave and adoption and that the Government and Minister for Finance will be in a position to provide the extra resources for that. For us to take a decision without reference to all the other key people concerned would, aside from the fact that budgetary considerations are involved, be highly irresponsible.

I am surprised that two left-wing Deputies are pushing the idea that we ignore the social partnership process. The unions in this country, through their responsible leadership, have contributed more than anyone else to the success we enjoy today. The partnership negotiations that are about to start are critically important to that continuing. We will hopefully return on another day to approve a new agreement.

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