Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the programme for Government, there is a commitment to establish a tenancy protection scheme to put an end to disputes regarding the return of deposits. Could the Taoiseach outline to the House the position on this commitment? When can we expect the legislation on it?

With regard to paid paternity leave, the Minister of State with responsibility for equality, Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, stated on 21 January, "I am as confident as I can be at this stage that there will be two weeks' paid paternity leave in that [family leave] legislation". It was suggested that this would not be very expensive, with a figure of €10 million mooted. In response to a parliamentary question, the Tánaiste indicated the introduction of paid paternity leave would have significant cost implications for employers, the Exchequer and the Social Insurance Fund. That seems to indicate the costings have not been done. Can the Taoiseach indicate when paid paternity leave is to be introduced? The Minister of State, who is in the Taoiseach's Government, made a solemn commitment. Perhaps the Government makes it up as it goes along; I do not know. The Taoiseach might confirm whether the Minister of State's statement was made up as he went along.

On the issue of a tax relief for landlords who agree not to increase rent, the Government made a commitment, apparently through the Irish Independent, that it would introduce this.

The third matter I want to mention is the free second year of child care and tax relief. When is it proposed to introduce that?

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