Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

In the past, women were an under-used resource in our economy. I am glad that they now have the choice as to whether they wish to be at work. Most women choose to be at work. We did not strive to be educated so well and then not use that education to some end. However, there are times in our lives, as mothers and parents, when we want to spend more time at home with our children. We do not want to leave small children, in particular, in someone else's care for long hours each day or have very little time to see them. This is what generally happens to people who live in the commuter belts. That is their experience and it is no way to live in terms of quality of life, work balance and time management. Unlike Senator Ormonde, when I was canvassing in Kildare North I met many women who opted to go home to mind their children. They did this not only because of cost but because they also wanted to fulfil their desires and responsibilities as parents.

Senator Cox spoke about parental leave, paying for parental leave and how we need to be economically buoyant. Evidence shows that if paid parental leave existed, we would benefit economically as it keeps women in the workforce. If parental leave was paid for the first year of the child's life, there is a far greater likelihood that women will return to the workforce. That has been shown in different studies. The Government will also benefit as the women who returns to the work force will continue to pay tax.

I agree with the Minister when he states that we have to be very careful about what we put in place in the next few years. We want to put measures in place which support families, communities and the economy. We have to be careful when we look at tax credits, taxation measures, vouchers and so on. They have an impact on those who are receiving the benefits and on industry.

The income disregard system has been part of our policy since 2002. One of the big advantages of that system for those who are in the informal network is that it brings them into the formal economy. It is also of great benefit to those who are running those facilities as they are recognised by the social welfare system and their hard work will be rewarded with a pension later in life.

I welcome this debate. It will not stop here as I believe we have only started. I am determined to keep this issue on the agenda, as are others in the House. We should ensure that it is a priority policy for every political party and I commend Senator White in her work in that respect. The only way to be heard is to demand to be heard. On this particular issue, it is extremely important to do so.