Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I hope I understand the amendment correctly. It was my understanding from the debate the other day that parents would be allowed take shorter periods of parental leave, be it for one day a week, one day a month or even part of a day. However, that is not reflected in the legislation. Senator O'Toole is attempting to make parental leave flexible. In response to a question, the Minister of State replied the other day that parental leave is flexible provided that it is taken with the agreement of the employer. However, the legislation does not reflect that short periods of leave can be taken and I seek clarification on the matter.