David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

One cannot expect women to work longer hours while also being the main carer for their children, while men have no such responsibility. The State should value men's role in this regard.

We need to change attitudes so that more people will accept that it is both parents' responsibility to care for their children. That must also be recognised by the State, however. If the State does not recognise it, that creates a prejudicial view among some people who will elevate the mother's role in raising children above that of the father's role. Equality is important and it works both ways. The Bill before us gives a choice to parents but we should be moving towards paternity leave in any case.

The Minister of State has given a good response and is accepting the Bill in principle. I commend Senator White who has brought forward many policy papers in this House. She has used her time in the Seanad to undertake policy research. One of the criticisms of Oireachtas Members - not just Senators but also TDs - is that we are too locally focused and a big part of what we do is constituency-based. It is said that we should be spending more time on policy matters. Senator White has been one of the exceptions by introducing many policies and Bills. This is one of the better ones and my party will certainly support it.