John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I also wish to compliment the Minister of State and his officials on my own behalf and on behalf of my colleague, Senator Terry, who is unavoidably absent. The Bill will certainly provide increased protection in this area. Senator Cox has raised a good point. We continuously lament the fact that younger women, in particular, are not involved in politics, yet this is an obvious stumbling block to their participation in political life. I must confess to my own lack of knowledge in maternity matters, but Senator Cox's point is both fair and appropriate. Some sort of mechanism, whereby votes can be cast on behalf of an Oireachtas Member who is absent on maternity leave, should be considered for the future. Such a system could also be considered at local authority level. As Senator Cox said, it is a glaring omission from the Bill as currently drafted. The Bill's provisions will, however, make for an improved situation. The Minister of State and his Government colleagues should consider Senator Cox's proposal for the future.