Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I support Senator O'Toole. I wish also to express my disappointment at our amendments being ruled out of order. However, I accept the ruling.

As our economy moves forward and we continue to encourage parents, particularly mothers, to re-enter the workforce, we must put in place structures to enable family life to survive. We must also ensure that every support is given to parents and their children. When we discussed this matter in recent days, most Members of the House agreed that this leave should not involve a loss of pay. By leaving it as it is, we are once again widening the gap between rich and poor. Those who can afford to take parental leave with loss of pay will take it. People on low incomes will not. How can they possibly afford to? People on low incomes are already struggling to survive. There is no way they can afford to give up their jobs and lose their pay. Therefore, a distinction is being made between those who can afford it and those who cannot. Those who cannot are among the most vulnerable in our society and once again we are hitting them. This section is flawed, I believe, for that reason. We should be ensuring equality when dealing with legislation. This is a kick in the teeth to equality in terms of dealing fairly with families.

For the reason outlined, I am opposed to this section. I will not call a vote today, but I will the next day if the Minister has not addressed this matter. While I respect the negotiations and recommendations of the advisory group, it is somewhat rich of the Minister to say we will stick rigidly to them. After all, he is the Minister and can make and take decisions he believes are in the best interests of all the people. That is what we are all here for, to work in the interests of everybody, not just one section of society. This is in the interest of one section of our society and works against another. It is wrong and we should not be party to it. I hope the Minister will think again, before Report Stage, and take a decision to correct this inequality.