Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

This Bill will constitute a significant change in that working parents will have a statutory entitlement to parental leave. This is a step in the right direction in that the leave entitlement of 14 weeks represents almost 30% of the working year.

However, we must acknowledge that this will represent something of an imposition on employers and will involve some element of disruption to working practices. For companies operating under a marginal viability, particularly in the private sector, it is important that we do not impose impediments. We are dealing, therefore, with a matter of competing priorities. The costs of a paid parental leave entitlement should not be imposed on employers. In regard to the suggestion that such an entitlement should be covered in the context of the social welfare code, the resources available for supporting families could perhaps be better targeted.

I understand the point behind the amendment but there must be recognition of the significant change envisaged in the Bill. Over the course of the next few years, it will be interesting to see how its provisions work in practice and the effects they will have on parents and employers. In today's global economy, we hear of companies which have had to discontinue operations because of a lack of competitiveness. We must be mindful of this in everything we do. It is of no benefit to parents if advantages and benefits are provided which ultimately undermine the entire structure of their income. We must consider this issue in a reasoned and measured way and the Bill is successful in this regard.