Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

I wish to say to the Minister of State and those involved in this legislation that it is not the Labour Party's intention to delay this Bill in any way. It is too vital for that and too many people are waiting on it. That is the reason we have continuously asked questions about ensuring that it is delivered on time. We are talking about an issue that is controlled by time. Pregnancy lasts for nine months, all going well, and a child continues to grow. The matter is time controlled and we are anxious to have this legislation brought in as quickly as possible.

Everybody in the House, be they mothers, fathers or others involved in a child's life, is very conscious that the first few months and first year of life in particular is a very precious time. It passes far too quickly for most of us. Women and parents at work do not get to spend as much time with their children as they would like. I will not get into the economics of the matter, but the time set out in this legislation is a very short period. We are proposing that it be extended to what is still a relatively short period, but it is more time than is currently envisaged in the legislation. The issue is well worth considering.

The Minister may have researched other countries in the past few months, particularly countries which experienced a drop in population in the past 20 years. These countries have introduced parental leave of an extended nature. In some countries the leave is four years long, a two-year period is common and a three-year period is not that rare. We are still at the point of talking about a 14-week period. We must begin to be adventurous and consider the general well-being of children and their parents.

I will not hold up this legislation because it is awaited. Women who are pregnant and others who have already delivered their babies are very anxious that it is enacted. The Minister of State may have arguments regarding partnership talks and that this was what was sought, but this was sought five years ago and it is now being done. That does not fill me with great hope in looking for an extension and believing that such an extension will be delivered by the current talks. Will that mean that we will go from a 14-week period to 18 weeks or 24 weeks in ten years?

It can be tiresome and boring listening to people making the same argument, but it is nonetheless valid. The amendment is in my name as well, and it is worth considering. As one of the wealthiest countries in Europe, we should not be talking of a move from 14-week parental leave to 18 weeks or 24 weeks in ten years. That is only as a result of collective bargaining and we should not proceed in that way. As not enough women are elected, this is not an issue. However women are becoming more conscious of the issue and regardless of who is in Government in future, they will need to look at the issue seriously.

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