Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I cannot accept this amendment. It would result in granting bereaved adopting fathers a more generous leave entitlement than that of a bereaved natural father. As stated on Committee Stage, the maternity working group considered the periods of maternity leave available and made recommendations to increase both maternity leave and additional maternity leave by four weeks each. These increases were immediately implemented in March 2001 and were simultaneously applied to adoptive leave and additional adoptive leave. The increased leave provisions are also available to bereaved fathers in certain circumstances depending on the date the adoptive mother dies.

I reiterate that the group made no recommendations to increase fathers' leave in the manner suggested in this amendment. Acceptance of this amendment would not only go beyond the agreed recommendations of the working group but would also break the link with the maternity leave provision and the parity of entitlement between natural and adoptive parents.