Margaret Cox (Fianna Fail)

Under legislation to protect women's rights, particularly in the area of maternity leave, difficulties for employers cannot be created. They will question whether they should employ women if an environment is created in which their rights are onerous. Most employers work as hard as they can to create an environment whereby they can organise locum cover for women on maternity leave. Many companies operate fair maternity leave policies and pay full benefits to those on maternity leave. There is an option to transfer from unpaid maternity leave to a sick pay scheme, which presumably will not be taken unless the person can be paid for sick leave. If the maternity leave is extended, it results in additional costs to the employer. A step by step approach is important in these cases. Significant changes have been made in protection for mothers but further changes must be introduced stage by stage.

I agree with the Minister of State on postponing maternity leave at the conclusion of sick leave; otherwise, there would be an onerous burden on employers. Employers must examine such issues on an economic basis because they must pay wages at the end of the day and make a profit to do so. We must be as fair as we can to ensure businesses have an opportunity. That is the real world and I have no doubt that is reflected in the working group's compromise. Perhaps this issue should be pursued in the context of paid parental leave in future as the rights of women are expanded and protected.