Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

While I welcome the provisions of the Bill, I agree with Senator Terry. It is our position that the Bill does not go far enough and, therefore, we will not support it on Second Stage.

The Minister of State pointed to the advances that have been made in this area, but it is worth recalling that, to a large extent and until the onset of Celtic tiger economy, this country had to be dragged, kicking and screaming, into the world of social protection, particularly for women employees. I refer here not only to maternity protection, but also to equal pay and a range of social protection measures in that regard. While these were welcome improvements, as Senator O'Toole and I have stated – particularly in respect of the Nice treaty, etc. – women voters are aware that many of the benefits that were gained in recent years came about by virtue of our participation in the European Union. As already stated, however, we had to be dragged, kicking and screaming, into line with the European model.

The Bill shows that the Government is still very much in the mode of minimalism. Quite minimal provisions are contained in this legislation and when one compares the situation here to that in the rest of Europe, one can see that we still have a long way to go with regard to time off and parental leave. Breastfeeding is an obvious example and the provision contained in the legislation allows for four months. However, the Department of Health and Children recommends that the minimum period for breastfeeding should be six months. If a working mother wants to return to work and is breastfeeding, the Department of Health and Children states that she should breastfeed for six months. However, the legislation states that she will only be allowed to do so for four months. This is another example of disjointed Government. The Minister of State should extend the period to six months. We will propose that he does so by way of amendment, to which I hope he will give serious consideration, on Committee Stage.