Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Reviewing statutory periods such as adoptive, maternity or parental leave, is a matter for consultation and negotiation, usually by Government with the social partners through the partnership process, where the views of all relevant stakeholders are taken into consideration. The current social partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, includes a Government commitment to amend the Adoptive Leave Act 1995, and to implement the appropriate recommendations of the maternity review group. This group was established under the previous social partnership agreement, the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. It would not be adequate to put in a requirement for annual review in these circumstances.

Senator Terry is free to claim that where equality is concerned, costs cannot be mentioned, but I do not agree with that proposition.