Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The question was tabled by Deputy Leddin. The timeframe of the question is interesting in that it covers the past ten years. My oldest child is now ten years old. I was teaching at the time of his birth and remember well that I had three days' leave, and by the time I had the second fella, it had been extended to two weeks' leave. It moved away from the perception that what dad was doing after the birth of a child was going to a pub. Those days off were not of benefit to me. They were a huge benefit to my wife and infant, who had arrived at the house. Much of the early routine was established during the longer two-week period, and now the length of the leave has been extended again. It is hugely important for things that can be overwhelming such as the first nappy, which was quite an experience, and for mums settling into a breast-feeding routine and getting through the period of chronic lack of sleep in the first few weeks. All these measures are so important and welcome.

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