Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion this evening on the very positive action to help parents at their most vulnerable. As other speakers have mentioned, 4,500 babies are born prematurely each year, and this affects thousands of parents and family members. It can happen to any family. This motion is simply recognising the reality of childbirth and maternity leave. There are complex health issues when a child is born prematurely. There is emotional pressure, and there is often a financial burden on parents. With all these issues, parents often find out that their maternity leave is up and that they have to return to work. The rigid, inflexible current welfare system does not identify this reality that many parents face. It does not recognise parents at one of the most difficult times. Greater flexibility is required in this area of welfare to help these parents. It is in the Minister's power to ensure we change this legislation and ensure parents are given the time they need so that the thousands of parents affected every year can be helped through a very emotional and difficult time. This motion will allow us to lead and set an example. Considering what all parents go through with premature babies, I plead that we act now.

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