Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

We are talking about a small amount of time in the first eight years of a child's life. In that context, the cost of a paid parental leave provision on an annual basis would be small. While some people may decide to take it in blocks at an early stage in a child's life, the majority will probably try to spread it over the eight years. Along with many organisations with an interest in the area, I am very disappointed in the Minister's line, which represents a lost opportunity.