David Norris (Independent)

I am happy to support this important amendment. I am intrigued by Senator White's version of full support for the Minister. It was very interesting that while her argument supported comments on this side of the House, she intends to vote in support of the Minister of State. I hope attention is paid to her words as she made the very effective point that we will in fact disbar people from availing of parental leave if we do not provide some financial assistance. We are out of step with many other European countries in this context.

The issue of discrimination, which exists in many areas, was raised. I have tabled an amendment which Senator O'Toole will have to move on my behalf. I apologise to the Chair and the Minister of State but I am involved in briefings on another Bill and cannot be in two places at once. I support strongly what has been said on this side of the House. I welcome the fact that Senator White accepts our arguments and believes she can persuade the Minister of the justice of the case. While that is very valuable, I rather wish she would vote on this side. I suppose it is too much to ask.