Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the provisions of the Adoptive Leave Bill 2004, which represent a balanced and progressive response to the needs of employed adopting parents. The measures introduced in the Bill will enhance the existing legislative provisions for employed adopting parents by offering them greater employment protection and more flexibility in managing their work and family responsibilities throughout the adoption process.

I wish to express my thanks to Members of the House for their contributions to the debate on the Bill. I am pleased it was possible to accommodate a number of Opposition amendments on Committee Stage, which improved the text of the Bill. As Senators know, the Adoptive Leave Bill is modelled closely on the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003, which is further advanced in its passage through the Houses. Consequently, the scope for amendments on this Bill was somewhat limited given the requirement to maintain the links between adoptive and maternity leave and ensure parity of leave entitlements between adopting and natural parents.