Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish I did not have to table long amendments relating to reports but, unfortunately, a report is the only way to raise this issue in the Social Welfare Bill. There was no agreement initially that this would be looked at, and I have raised the matter previously. We do not even need a report if the Minister wants to go ahead and introduce the measure. Unfortunately, however, this is the only way I have to raise issues when it comes to the Social Welfare Bill. I cannot seek for this to be done because it would result in a cost to the Exchequer, unfortunately, so it is not through want of trying. I would prefer not to have to do it but it is the only way I can raise the issue. It is an important issue. It has been raised with me by the lone parent organisations and it is important to take this opportunity to raise it here today.

I appreciate what the Minister has said about the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman. I have raised this with him as well, but it was important to take the opportunity to raise it today. I appreciate that there is a greater impact on the employer where only one parent takes leave but I stress again that this is about the child. The child has to be central in this. One child gets 14 weeks; another gets only seven. It is not fair. I appreciate that this comes from an EU directive but I ask simply that what I propose be considered.

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