Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I want to raise the same issue as Senator White. We share many interests. The decision of the European Court of Justice is a serious blow for women. A woman must take time off work to spend at least three months with her baby. We have fought for extended maternity and parental leave. In taking maternity leave, women will be discriminated in the workplace on the grounds that their length of service is less than that of their male colleagues. It also discriminates against fathers who wish to take time off to spend with their children as they are growing up. This is retrograde step and one which will have serious consequences for many women and parents. The European Court of Justice took a narrow and discriminatory view when it focused on length of service. What about equal pay for equal work?

The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment must inform the House on how they can address this issue. Will unscrupulous employers discriminate against women because they must take time off to be with their children? Will the Leader organise a debate on this serious matter as soon as possible?