Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

As I said, at 2001 prices the cost of parental leave would exceed €200 million. The sums involved would be much higher now. The calculation is based on the basis of payment and level of take up of maternity leave.

Senator Norris said we are out of step with certain Europe countries, but the evidence is that they have been out of step with us in the past couple of years. Senators Norris, O'Toole and Terry will be aware of the significant controversies which have occurred in France and Germany as a result of attempts to change social models and reduce burdens on economies which are failing to compete globally. The level of take up of leave in some of those countries is quite low because the level of payment for parental leave is not attractive enough. While the levels of parental leave may be quite high in Sweden and Italy, that is not the case everywhere.

Senator O'Toole challenged me to provide €100 million at the next budget. While I would welcome paid parental leave as a parent, if I wanted to ensure equality I would use that €100 million to support the unemployed mothers of working class children. They cannot leave the home to work due to the high cost of child care. I would make a payment to mothers in the Traveller community whom we are endeavouring to help into the workforce and whose children we are encouraging to stay in school. I do not even profess to be a socialist.