Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

The Minister is bringing their rights into line with those of natural parents. This is a progressive measure. It is not necessary to go beyond that point.

It is open to employers to give adoptive leave. Many employers do so, by agreement with their employees, if they can afford to do it. However, we must be mindful of the many employers who have neither the financial nor the human resources to take on additional obligations and impositions.

The Bill is a progressive measure and we should support it, but common sense must be applied. The measures taken by the Minister are common sense. The Opposition's proposals have no connection with reality.