Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I draw attention to the supports other countries put in place, particularly the more enlightened countries in the northern hemisphere such as the Nordic countries. These countries look at the replacement of population and solidarity across generations because we need to replace our population if we are to afford to cater for our aging population. There appears to be evidence that many people are delaying having children. Income plays a sizeable part in that decision, but there are consequences arising from that delay. Often it is a riskier time for women, as the ideal time to have a first child is when one is in one's mid-20s. We must look at this issue in the round and not introduce economic measures that produce less desirable scenarios not just found in the economic area. For that reason, selecting a particular group sends a very bad signal. We do not have very large families anymore. It only happens for a very short period of time in somebody's working life. This measure is the wrong way to go.

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