Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

I agree with the Deputy on this matter. We will give employers greater flexibility if we extend the time, particularly if we continue to allow it at 14 weeks. I take it that the approach to this Bill on the part of the Government and those involved in centralised bargaining was more concerned with employment than with how we treat our children, which is very unfortunate. It is also unfortunate that we see the child as a commodity that should be given as little time, affection and consideration as possible. The Department is concerned with protecting employers and those involved in centralised bargaining are concerned with ascertaining the benefits they can get for workers. The child gets lost in that process.

The proposal to allow one to take parental leave until one's child is 12 years of age or until the end of the child's time in primary school — they can often happen at the same time — will offer greater flexibility from the employer's point of view. Not all children need the same type of attention in fourth, fifth and sixth classes. Some children sail through that period of their lives — they are probably the happiest years of their lives — but others need more parental support as they move on a little at the ages of nine, ten or 11. A great deal of bullying can take place during such years, which can mean that additional support is needed.

It is important that we provide for more flexibility in the system. We should avoid the rigidity we see in this legislation. Those of us with experience of children — I do not just refer to parents because there are other ways of encountering children, for example through one's extended family — know that children behave differently. Although they have certain fundamental needs, their overall level of need can differ significantly. If we extend the number of years within which one can take parental leave, we will give employers greater flexibility.

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