Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I move amendment No. 11:

In page 9, before section 7, to insert the following new section:

"7.—Section 13(1) of the Principal Act is amended by the insertion after 'elsewhere' of 'or in the case of a child where requested by a school'."

This amendment provides for a regular occurrence of when a parent is sent for when his or her child has an accident at school. It is an absolute case of where force majeure applies. Unfortunately, I have come across situations where no flexibility was shown and individuals lost pay. I admit it is not a common experience but this is not an anti-employer amendment. The majority of managers ensure that in the case of an accident involving an employee's child at school, everything possible to be helpful and supportive is done.

However, I am asking for the Minister of State to include this straightforward provision that does not create any problem for employers or employees. Any reasonable person will agree that it cannot be abused. If a school believes that, as a result of an accident, it is a matter of urgency that the parent attends immediately, it will not be abused. This simple amendment, if accepted, would reinforce what a good employer will do anyway and ensure that all employees are treated equally in this respect.