Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Tá ceist agam maidir leis an mBille um limistéar mara agus imeall trá atá ar an chlár reachtaíochta. Tá fios ag an Taoiseach go bhfuil feamainn an-tábhachtach do daoine atá ag maireachtáil cois farraige agus do mhuintir na Gaeltachta fosta. The Taoiseach will be aware that the maritime area and foreshore Bill was published a year ago. Since then, there has been the usual considerable delay and, I suspect, prevarication on the part of the Government in bringing this forward to the Dáil. This is delayed legislation. Many are dependant on this for income. Seaweed cutting is a traditional activity around the coastline, especially in Gaeltact areas. Can he give a date for the publication of this Bill and ensure the harvesters are protected during that process? I am told there has been a larger number of applications than usual made because those involved are unsure of their legal status in harvesting this traditional crop.

On the family leave Bill, Ireland is the only EU state with no period of well-paid leave on the introduction of a new child to a family. There is no paternity leave whatsoever in this country. There are limited work-life balance policies and the State compares poorly with the rest of the European Union on maternity leave. The policy assumes women are still primarily responsible for the care of young children. Can the Taoiseach provide an update on the progress of the family leave Bill, which was to have been published this autumn but which, I understand, is scheduled for early 2015?

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