Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, and the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, for coming to the House to debate this fine legislation. I wish to comment on something Senator Kett said but not in a combative manner because I recognise that he researches his topic and speaks well on any issue. If we should say that equality issues should not apply to small firms, we would not be following the equality agenda. It is the right of women, or either parent in the case of adoptive parents, to avail of maternity or adoptive leave. A firm cannot be allowed to opt out on the basis that it is a small firm. That would negate the whole equality agenda. The issue has often been raised with me, so I understand the Senator's point. However, I do not accept it.

I welcome this excellent legislation which was strongly recommended in Sustaining Progress. On reading it I could see how sensible and practical the arrangements were. My family came about at a time when there was no legislation. Women had their babies and if they had a job they went back to work and if they did not they just got on with life. That was accepted because people knew no better.