Margaret Cox (Fianna Fail)

I received the Cathaoirleach's note telling me why amendments Nos. 4 and 5 are out of order on the grounds that they will involve potential charges on the Revenue and I accept that. The Minister will remember that we discussed this on Second Stage. This is a live issue for many women who are or who are about to go on maternity leave. Given that the substantial and welcome increase in the entitlement to leave will have a significant impact on families at the most important time of a child's life I felt it was important to table the amendments. When I did so I was not aware that they would be ruled out of order. Will the Minister could take it to his Cabinet colleagues and agree an amendment in the new year, perhaps under the Finance Bill? It is very important.

Yesterday, I complimented the Minister on the €1,000 payment for children under six years of age and the maternity leave extension and I do not mean to be critical. While everybody will know that an extra four weeks' leave will be granted from March 2007 and can plan their families around that, many were taken by surprise by this announcement. When we increased tax on petrol and alcohol it was implemented from midnight on the night of the budget. I plead with the Minister and in doing so I reflect the wealth of feeling among women on this issue. I thank the Minister for this co-operation and his acceptance of my bona fides in putting it before the House.