Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend my colleague, Deputy Kerrane, for tabling this important motion and urge all Members of the House to support it.

These are worrying and peculiar times for all citizens but none more so than the mothers and fathers of newborn children. The restrictions we have lived through and precautions we have had to take have had an impact on the parents of newborn children. As a mother of five I can say that a new addition to a family is a joy, and a joy that we once could share immediately with family members and friends. Covid-19 has put a stop to this. The safety of our health workers, newborns and their mothers is paramount and, as such, the current restrictions were necessary. However, it must be recognised that these current circumstances are stressful for both mother and child. The old certainties and reassurance of family support and public health nurse visits have been suspended. For many, the end of the six-month maternity period is fast approaching. Some childcare facilities remain closed and this has created uncertainty as to where new parents are to leave their child during working hours. Maternity leave should be a time where necessary check-ups and medical appointments can be attended. For many, these vital services were paused during the height of the lockdown. It is vital that maternity leave and pay is extended for these families so they can follow up on missed developmental checks and hospital appointments.

In my constituency of Clare I have received many calls and emails from the general public and, in particular, the #ExtendMaternityLeave2020 campaign group, calling for support on this motion. I am sure I am not alone in this. It is pleasing that over the last number of weeks so many Members of the Houses have indicated they will support this motion, and I sincerely hope this previous support is followed up by their actions. The announcement by the Minister last night may seem like a step in the right direction but it does not go far enough. That is why I encourage the Government parties to get behind this motion. This is a sensible and fair motion. It is a motion that is good for the State and good for our citizens. Supporting this motion will go a long way towards reassuring the parents of newborn children that they will not be left behind as we look to recover from the economic impact of Covid-19. Many countries across the world already allow for maternity leave for up to 12 months from the birth of a child. These early months are crucial in the development of a child and we need to ensure the supports parents require are around them. This motion allows for the most basic of these supports, that is, the love and attention of a parent.

See this speech in context