Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Having a baby during the Covid period has been a very difficult and challenging experience for many women and a difficult challenge for many families. Families have been unable to extend the normal support because of the Covid situation. The support of professionals has been very difficult to tap into because of Covid. Many examples have been given in the debate so far, particularly as it relates to childcare. Babies have missed vaccinations, the scans they would normally have and developmental checks.

Demand has risen not from the Chamber but from women themselves and society that changes be made to support women and families in this situation and that maternity leave be extended by three months, from six months to nine months. It is shameful that the Government is coming forward with a proposal for an extra three weeks' parental leave, which is rehashing an old promise. The Green Party in particular has to answer the question whether it will stand over this on Thursday or whether it will support the position it previously backed.

By the way, this is a very modest demand. A total of €245 per week is 26.7% of the average income of mothers who give birth in this country. In Lithuania people get 100%, in Slovenia they get 92.7% and in the Czech Republic they get 74.1%. Ireland is not the worst but it is far from the best in this regard. The same applies with regard to the amount of time. We are calling for nine months but in Estonia it is 166 weeks and not 39 weeks, in Finland it is 161 weeks and in Bulgaria it is 110 weeks. The proposal that has been put forward in the Sinn Féin motion is very modest.

At a bare minimum it must be supported as an alternative to the shameful position of the Government on this issue.

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