Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I offer my good wishes to the Minister of State, who seems to be back in good form after his brief sojourn from the House. I followed him a couple of days later but, thank God, we are both back in time for Christmas.

I compliment him and all involved on this reforming legislation. There is no doubt the previous situation was a backward one, as any of us who has employees will understand. I wish Kathy, who works in my office but is out on maternity leave and is waiting for the call any hour, and Bob well in regard to the delivery of a successful outcome to accompany their existing little baby, Sam.

I am delighted the Bill has made its way through the House. It is so badly needed, not least because we try to encourage young people, especially females, and to be supportive of them in any way in order that there will be no blockages in their way. There were too many blockages for far too long. Procreation is wonderful and I wish all these people well, and it is very important that respect is shown to giving them appropriate leave and time to recover and to gel with their baby.

On the issue of sick leave, I compliment Deputy Peter Burke on being a very supportive Minister of State for local authority members, according to the feedback I get and having known him since before he took office. His is a very onerous task and role and elected members need all the support they can get. He has probably inherited the legacy of "Big Phil", the former Minister with responsibility for local government. The local electoral areas, LEAs, are massive, with huge areas to cover, and while there has been an increase in their remuneration, it has been hard earned and hard won. The provisions in these two items of legislation, namely, maternity leave and sick leave for both males and females, are very important. The vast majority of elected members do the State some service, to paraphrase a former Taoiseach, and I think it is everybody's intention going into public office to do good for his or her community and county.

The Bill is more than welcome and I hope it will be enacted immediately in order that the people who will avail of it will have long, happy and successful careers. Let them go forth and multiply.

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