Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In that case, we are of one mind. We all recognise that those women and couples who have had children in this period have faced very considerable difficulties and stress without all of the normal supports that new parents generally enjoy when they bring home their newborn.

This is a very straightforward request. The Taoiseach should not hide behind a veil of complexity. The simple facts are that these women need additional time. They need additional leave and they need to be sure that that additional leave will be paid leave. To me, this is very straightforward, not least because childcare provision is now under such stress. There is no certainty for many parents that they will be able to get adequate and appropriate childcare, particularly for newborn infants.

I again ask the Taoiseach to act swiftly. I understand that the Minister for Justice and Equality in the previous Government had some jurisdiction on these issues. Responsibility for equality has now been moved to a different Department. I do not wish this issue to get lost in the labyrinth or the bureaucratic machinations of the new Government. This is not a time for delay. This is a time for timely action. The matter is time sensitive because many women are now on maternity leave. They are looking at the prospect and the pressure of returning to work. As his first act in government, I ask the Taoiseach to act now, make a clear decision on the matter, act fairly and do the right thing by Irish women and these new mothers.

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