Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I sincerely thank my namesake, Deputy Catherine Murphy, for allowing me to use the remainder of her time. I chaired the first part of this debate, which has been fantastic. I commend Deputy Catherine Martin on introducing the motion. Her address was delivered with great passion and emotion and was special. Every Deputy spoke with passion and there is a real desire among us to help parents of premature babies by changing the current position regarding maternity leave.

It is long past time that we acknowledged the plight of parents of premature children. I recall a mother telling me of her experience. Her baby arrived prematurely at 22 weeks weighing only 2 Ibs and 3 oz. She was so tiny she could fit in the palms of her parents' hands. She spent virtually the entire first seven months of life in hospital with either a parent or close family member. After four months, the mother's only option was to return to work and to this day she regrets having to leave her little girl behind. At the time, however, she did not have a choice. This is one ordinary, everyday example that explains the reason we must try to change the current position. While I had more to say on this issue, this example gets the message across that we would like to help the people affected. I am pleased the House has been able to accommodate the motion and that all sides, including the Government, are on board and will try to make the changes required to help them.

See this speech in context