Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the passing of this legislation. It is very progressive. It recognises, first, the importance of the family in society. The definition of the family has obviously extended and changed over recent years. We now have a very broad interpretation of what is the family. Nonetheless, the most important aspect of any family is in respect of the upbringing of children. For too long we have placed a great emphasis upon mothers to bring up children. This Bill now recognises that fathers have a crucial role to play but, more important, it allows the State to give recognition to that by allowing fathers to have time off to look after children in what is a very formative and important part of their lives. I welcome the legislation.

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