Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I call for a debate on the role of grandparents in Irish society. A Bill is being brought forward in the Dáil relating to the access rights of grandparents and this is welcome and necessary. Grandparents play a huge role in the rearing and care of children currently. In some cases they travel great distances to be available to their families. I am aware of many people in Meath whose parents come from Dublin, Meath, Westmeath and further afield to mind children. This issue is particularly acute for front-line public sector workers who work night shift or weekends and for whom crèche facilities are not readily available or are too costly to provide the care required.

The State gains a significant economic benefit through grandparents providing this care so as to enable front-line public sector workers and many other workers, such as factory workers on night shifts, go to work. Although the State gains a huge economic benefit, there is little recognition of the role of grandparents apart from the appreciation and thanks they get from their families. Society should do more to recognise the massive work being done in response to rising child care costs. I am very grateful to my mother who helps my family out. Grandparents here are making a huge contribution and it should be welcomed and recognised by the State.