Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

It must be said that this Bill is an improvement on its predecessor. I am not one of those who argues for all or nothing. This is an improvement on what preceded it and it must be conceded that it is better than nothing.

My main concern is with the approach, while agreeing that we have to introduce paid parental leave. The main group discriminated against by not having a paid parental leave system is fathers. I do not know whether there are statistics available or if any surveys have been done as regards how many men take parental leave. The way society is organised at present militates against them doing that. I know of many fathers, including those on middle incomes, who say they cannot afford to take unpaid parental leave. Women, at least, get paid maternity leave. It is not sufficient, but at least they are entitled to it. However, fathers have limited entitlements and this is an area that must be improved. That is as much as I wish to say on this subject.

On reading section 2(8)(d), I was not sure what was meant by "the relevant Act". The language is somewhat unclear, so perhaps the Minister of State might explain what is meant by "this Act as amended by the relevant Act". Perhaps it was explained on Second Stage, but I wonder whether it could be better worded.