Mary White (Fianna Fail)

As Senator Tuffy said, we have made significant progress. I have said here many times that I had to give up my job in the Civil Service when I married. I understand what discrimination is about. My boss at the Board of Works tried to keep me on but was not permitted to do so. It was an EU directive which ensured women could continue to work after they married. People in Ireland who have not suffered such discrimination do not understand how it felt to have to give up one's job. One must have that experience to know how awful it was.

I wish to correct the record by noting that I support the Minister of State completely. His sentiments are the same as ours. He has undertaken to revert to the social partners and stakeholders in Sustaining Progress to establish how to proceed further. We will achieve some form of payment, which does not have to be everything. It is especially important for people on lower incomes who cannot afford to take time off.