Kate Walsh (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome this opportunity to give my support to this important Bill and I thank the Minister of State for coming before the House.

The Bill amends the Maternity Protection Act 1994 to give effect to the outstanding recommendations of the working group on the maternity protection legislation which were published in February 2001. When it is signed into law, Ireland will have some of the most progressive legislation governing maternity and parental leave in the EU. The Minister of State and his Department must be congratulated on bringing forward this important and timely legislation.

Unfortunately, there is a culture of fear among some women when it comes to informing their employers that they are pregnant and of their rights in respect of maternity leave. Even more shocking is the fact that some employers believe that they can sack a pregnant employee – simply because they are expecting a baby – and get away with it. We were reminded of this only a few months ago when a brave teenager in my constituency took her employer to the Labour Court for unfair dismissal. She was dismissed after informing her employer that she was pregnant. I am delighted that she won her case but it is unfortunate that she was forced to take it to the Labour Court.

Ireland has had legislation in place for many years governing the protection of the rights of pregnant women in the workplace and guaranteeing maternity leave. Unfortunately, there is still a small number of employers who believe they can flout the law and dismiss their employees at will. I hope the new Bill will further strengthen our maternity legislation and send out a strong message to employers that the rights of expectant mothers and new parents are protected by law and must be adhered to.