Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 9, lines 17 and 18, to delete "(other than the last 3 classes in such a set)".

It is wrong to exclude the right to leave for the last three antenatal classes. For example, if the last three classes are held before the employee takes maternity leave, she would not have the right to attend them. This is an unfair restriction.

The Minister of State, Deputy O'Dea, stated that this is the arrangement negotiated with the employers. It seems to be an unfair restriction and goes against the spirit of the legislation. We ask the Minister of State to support the amendment and to remove the exclusion of the last three classes.