Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I support Senator Terry's amendment, the substance of which may serve to give some momentum to the efforts to introduce paid parental leave. If a report as envisaged in the amendment is produced, it should look not only at the costs, but also the benefits. These potential benefits relate not only to financial considerations but should include such issues as improved quality of life. There are cost implications in terms of savings in several areas for a society in which quality of life issues are considered. I hope such an approach might be taken to the compiling of the proposed report.

Senator Terry has raised the issue of equality but there are broader concerns to address. I am aware of middle-income, dual-salary families in Lucan for which the possibility of taking up the parental leave entitlement would not be possible for either parent because of the financial demands of mortgage repayments and other living costs. I have already raised the issue of the prevailing culture which predicates that fathers are not expected to avail of parental leave. A paid leave entitlement would encourage more fathers and mothers to avail of the facility. The long-term objective should be to secure a statutory provision for both maternity and paternity leave, in addition to the parental leave entitlement as provided in this Bill.

I agree with Senator Jim Walsh in welcoming that these entitlements are being improved. Hopefully, many parents will avail of them. However, Senator Walsh is incorrect in stating that the 14-week leave entitlement represents almost 30% of the working year. These 14 weeks apply over an eight-year period, which equates to less than two weeks' leave per year. In this context, the provision is welcome but inadequate.

The potentially disruptive effect of the provision of an entitlement to paid parental leave on the economy must be considered. However, improvement in this area can beneficial to the economy and similar provisions have been implemented with no adverse effect in other countries with strong economies. Each of us has only one life to live and our primary objective is not to improve the economy but to achieve a good life as part of a good society. The type of measure envisaged in this amendment is in keeping with that objective and the economy is a facilitator in this regard.