Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is some agreement in terms of what we are trying to achieve. I apologise for the typographical error in the amendment. Under the rules there is a facility to change that. It should refer to "parent's leave" as opposed to "parental leave" because they derive from two different tranches of legislation. I thank the Minister of State for pointing that out.

The Minister of State alludes to the fact that the position he is taking is primarily because this leave is for a short period. It is for two weeks now from 1 November up to a maximum of nine weeks in 2021. I want to ensure that it is reflective of maternity leave. This is because what will possibly happen is that people who are on maternity leave will take paid maternity leave and then, potentially, take unpaid parental leave and then this measure will run concurrently. Really and truly, the person who is on leave could potentially be on some sort of leave, whether paid maternity leave, unpaid maternity leave or paid parent's leave, and out of work up to a period in excess of 42 weeks now, rising to 49 weeks in 2021.

We should have the same principle enshrined in our legislation to protect the employee, but we should also acknowledge that there could be a change in circumstances during that 49-week period. I have in mind particularly small businesses, which may have lost a valuable client. There may have been a change in circumstances in terms of how a business operates. I am proposing the flexibility to offer an alternative, albeit with the protections laid down in this amendment.

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