Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Bill and the changes that are afforded to adoptive parents. There does not appear to be an option for a father to avail of this leave rather than a mother. Not to allow this option is a shortcoming and an opportunity missed by the Government. In the case of a natural birth it is right for a mother, having been through the pregnancy and given birth, to take the maternity leave. In the case of adoptive parents there is no reason a father, where there is one, should not be equally placed to avail of this leave. If a mother was self employed or was in receipt of a larger wage than the father it may be more convenient or suitable that the father avail of it. Has the Minister had time to reflect on the discussion in the Dáil on this issue and will he address it now?