Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I experienced difficulties in that regard.

I commend the Bill, as it opens up possibilities and provides the House with an opportunity to debate the matter. I hope that we will have an opportunity to discuss it further on Committee Stage. It is important that both parents be present to bond with the child and that the father does not lose out.

However, the issue of adoption has been overlooked in the Bill. It should be put forward for consideration. Under the Adoptive Leave Act 1995, as amended by the Adoptive Leave Act 2005, only the adoptive mother is entitled to avail of adoptive leave from employment except where the man is the sole adopter. The person taking-----