Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

There is a recognition in the programme for Government of the need to support parents in spending more time with their children. The Government also made a commitment in it to examine the possibility of introducing paternity benefit. It seems little progress has been made on that. That area comes under the remit of the Minister's Department. I do not understand why consideration of such provision must be deferred until the working group in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has completed its business. Does the Minister believe it is right that the State should support fathers in spending time with their infants within the first few months of their lives? There are major pressures on a couple when a baby is born. There is a recognition of this in the provision of maternity leave and parental leave. The problem, however, is that parental leave is unpaid. Therefore, a father will suffer financially if he takes leave from work to spend time with his partner and new baby. This is a regressive situation. We should be facilitating parents in spending more time with their children. Is the Minister prepared to move ahead in this regard in respect of the responsibilities which fall within her Department?

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