Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 3, line 27, to delete "8 years" and substitute the following:

"12 years or completes his or her primary schooling, whichever is the sooner".

We debated this matter on Committee Stage and we seem to be like parrots repeating ourselves. I am asking that the age limit be increased from eight to 12 or 13, to match the years a child is in primary school. I cannot see any reason not to make this amendment. While I accept that some of these details need to be negotiated at partnership talks etc., and while I do not like that we cannot make decisions in this House, I can understand it. I can understand the feelings of the Minister of State on the previous set of amendments. However, on this one I cannot accept it as it will not affect anybody and would make life easier for the employers who might oppose it at partnership talks because it would allow for greater flexibility and would have less impact. If an employee has 12 years to take parental leave, the pinch will be smaller compared with somebody taking large blocks of parental leave over an eight-year period.

I do not see why this cannot be accepted. I cannot find any research indicating that this cannot be done. I agree that there was a battle to get the limit changed to eight years. However, I do not believe we would be seen to be taking negotiations for granted by allowing this amendment. If we are afraid it would affect the existing arrangements of parents whose children are now, for example, seven, it could be provided that it only affects children now under six. The Minister of State should not rule out this amendment just because it has not been discussed at partnership talks. This is different from the other amendments. It would not hurt anybody and would give parents greater flexibility.

The final years of primary school when children are preparing for secondary school are vital. It is estimated that 1,000 children each year leave primary school and do not progress to secondary school and the figure could be considerably higher. Children are under pressure and need their parents to be there for them as much as they can. While the early years up to the age of three or four are the most important, the years when a child is eight, nine, ten and 11 are also vital. Children are growing up very fast and have many questions to ask. While it would be great if parents could always be there for them when they come home from school, that is a dream world and is not possible. However, this House should do whatever it can to facilitate flexibility for parents to bring up their children and spend time with them when they believe it is best. Extending the period within which they can do so would not cause much trouble to anybody.

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