John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This remains to be seen, but I have confidence in the Minister of State.

The point I was making is that the Library and Research Service seems to contradict what the Minister said. It calls to mind the great quote from the movie, "The Shawshank Redemption" where the governor is asked if he is being deliberately obtuse. I thought the tone of the Minister's contribution was quite aggressive, contrary to the spirit of the Bill proposed by my two colleagues. The opportunity to share maternity leave includes the ability to share the associated State maternity benefit. Where maternity leave is shared, the maternity benefit would be apportioned between the parents of the child in proportion to the period of maternity leave taken by each parent. I do not believe anybody could see a flaw in that. It is referred to as shared-leave benefit in the Bill and is additional to the paternity leave benefit.

The Bill also clarifies that shared maternity leave is supplemental to the paternity leave of two weeks. In her opening contribution, Deputy O'Loughlin, also made the point that it would facilitate greater equality in that it would allow both parents to share rearing responsibilities. If enacted, the Bill will be a positive step towards creating a more modern workplace, enabling parents to have greater flexibility in the care of their children. By affording parents the opportunity to share maternity leave, parents would, therefore, be in an optimal position for determining the best arrangements for their children. Other factors come into play, including financial arrangements. Depending on the circumstances, sometimes it may be economically viable for a mother to share part of her maternity leave.

We have highlighted that the Bill would not give rise to any additional costs to the Exchequer given that State maternity benefit is paid directly to mothers.

The UK introduced a similar concept under its shared parental leave scheme in 2015. This enables parents to share the period of parental leave. The parental benefit is also apportioned between the parents in accordance with the length of parental leave taken. The mother and her partner have an entitlement to 39 weeks shared parental pay in the UK. However, as the mother is statutorily required to take two weeks' maternity leave, shared parental leave is available for 37 of the 39 weeks.

The Minister drove a coach and four through my two colleagues' proposal without giving it proper consideration. The thrust and spirit of the Bill are there to be seen. The same happened in the House yesterday when my own Bill was being debated. We introduce Bills and everybody on this side of the House is open to significant amendment being made in the spirit of the Bill to ensure the broad thrust, principle and ambition of the Bill are carried forward. The Minister is now proposing that it be put off until the middle of next year in order that some kind of consultation can take place. I ask the Minister of State to reflect on that and take on board the spirit of what my colleagues are suggesting. A more generous response from Government would be most welcome on this side of the House. I know some of my colleagues will seriously contest some of the arguments the Minister made.

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