Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I welcome the Bill, which is timely. Many different groups in society have negotiated on this issue and I have always felt that we are behind the game regarding maternity provisions. In particular we have been behind Europe. One of the solid reasons for the support of the trade union movement for the second Nice treaty referendum was the feeling that many groups, particularly women, were looked after better by governments reacting to the demands of European directives than acting of their own volition. That goes back to the equality legislation of 1977 and all that has happened since.

I support the case Senator Cox made and her final point is the real issue. Every time I am at a meeting where maternity issues are discussed, the meeting quickly goes on to child care. The Government takes the wrong perspective on this, looking on it as either a cost or a support. Anyone looking at the whole structure of employment in society recognises we need more women in the workforce. That is not a feminist view but the view of anyone taking a clear view of society. The importance of having women at decision-making levels in society is hugely important. They lose out because of the natural consequences of childbirth and there are aspects of that which cannot be addressed or compensated for in any way, but we must look at this issue in other ways.

The lack of progress in making available affordable child care is appalling. There should be choice in that area, with a combination of nurseries, preschools, crèches and other facilities open to parents. Parents should feel they have made safe, secure arrangements for their children. When they drop their babies off in the morning at crèches, nurseries, playgroups, preschools or primary nursery schools, they should feel those are safe environments for their children, with all the proper supports. That is true of recognised establishments. I regularly meet people who have to make compromise arrangements with which they are not completely satisfied.