Seanad debates
Thursday, 11 December 2003
Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages.
On the area of child care, the issue does not only involve crèches. Many proposals need to be brought to the table in the partnership type discussions that take place. Encouraging job sharing, for example, is a matter for the Department of Finance in terms of revenue taxation or whatever, but we need to put in place the structures and create tax incentives for companies to provide crèches, car parks and so on. I realise it is not an issue for that Department but there is no reason we cannot provide double allowances in terms of payment for job sharing. It is more expensive for employers to have two people doing one job. We need to recognise that in the taxation system and provide incentives. Nothing will incentivise an organisation more than the possibility of reducing costs to provide facilities. Job sharing and special hours for mothers are initiatives that make companies, organisations, semi-State and Government bodies more child friendly and they are vital.
No comments