Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

In common with the previous amendment, I see no merit in this proposal. A feasibility study on increasing the duration of parental leave would not add to our understanding of the issue. The parental leave review group considered proposals made by ICTU and the Equality Authority to increase the duration of parental leave. These proposals were considered in the context of the following factors: the recent extension of maternity and adoptive leave; the Carers Leave Act 2001; the comparative situation in EU member states; and the implications for possible future paid parental leave. Each of these factors is addressed in the review group's 2002 report, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library. I expect the next round of partnership discussions starting later this year to again focus on parental leave using the material in the review group's report as a basis for discussion and further study or research as necessary. For this reason I am not prepared to accept the amendment.