Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

There is still a grudging attitude towards entitlements such as parental leave. This is an example of a deep-seated chauvinism which holds that women can stay at home and mind their children, notwithstanding the fact that employers are screaming out for employees, education can contribute to our economic well-being and we can ill afford to have people with talent and ability outside the workforce. That is an economic fact as opposed to a social concern expressed by do-gooders.

It is commendable that parents are given paid leave in the public sector and some larger companies, including the banks. However, I am not aware of many other companies which provide paid parental leave. The legislation makes advances, particularly in the area of adoptive leave and the extension of the age threshold to eight years which is still a young age. Moreover, it provides that, in the case of a child with a disability, parents may take leave until the child is 16 years. These are helpful, proper and timely changes.

We received a briefing from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, which I assume is accurate. It states that Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and Sweden make payments in respect of parental leave. In Italy, 30% of salary is paid by the employer for up to six months, while in the Netherlands and Belgium collective agreements provide for additional payments during maternity leave. Austria has legislated for paid parental leave for up to two years. It can be taken on a part-time basis. Congress is looking for a social insurance payment. It is fine if one can afford to take parental leave and not have that income coming in and if one does not work in the public service or in one of the major banks. Perhaps when the Minister of State replies, he will indicate which employers give paid parental leave. I would be keen to know those industries which give paid leave. I presume all the public service gives paid leave.