Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I am disappointed in the Minister of State's response. In light of the ongoing debate about the situation of families, working parents and lone parents, this amendment would have provided the Minister with a good opportunity to report to both Houses within three months on this issue. In the broader context, it is an issue about which debate will take place in any case. The rejection of this amendment represents a lost opportunity.

I reiterate the point made by Senator Tuffy in response to Senator Walsh that the proposed parental leave entitlement is to be taken over eight years. Leave may not be taken for 14 weeks of each of those years, or 30% of the working year as Senator Jim Walsh indicated.