Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 21:

In page 3, before section 2, to insert the following new section:

"2.—The Minister shall, within three months of the commencement of this Act, lay before each House of the Oireachtas, a report on the implications of the introduction of a scheme to provide paternity benefit, including details of—

(a) qualifications criteria, and

(b) payment methods,

for the scheme, which shall be run on a similar basis to entitlement to maternity benefit.".

This area needs further support and I would welcome the Minister of State's comments.