David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I compliment Senator White on her initiative in bringing forward this Bill. She has a very distinguished record in this House in providing a series of well-researched and detailed reports on a wide variety of subjects but often dealing with areas relating to what one might generally term infirmity or disadvantage, such as the elderly. She has done the Seanad and the Oireachtas a good deal of service in that regard.

The idea of shared parental leave is good for children because it gives a balance. It is something in which many fathers would also rejoice. I recall my closest friend who has been married for many years. A long time ago it turned out that his wife was capable of earning more money than he was. It was a very practical situation. He withdrew from his employment and became a house husband. A lot of his friends jeered him. I did not know that and I said to his wife that it was wonderful. It was great for the children. He has turned into the most superb cook ever since then. I am very much in favour of that.

A number of issues arise in the context of the Minister’s speech. First, I am sure Senator White would agree with the idea of consultation between the parents. That seems to me to be a good idea, in particular in a situation where, for example, there may be an absent or irresponsible father. Politically correct people deny that and say that all fathers are wonderful. No, they are not. Some of them are blackguards and others take no interest whatsoever in their children. I do not think they should have any rights at all.

The Minister rehearsed the various Bills in which he was involved. I compliment him on that. He mentioned the Adoption Act 1991, which was only the second Private Members’ Bill in 32 years. The first one originated in the Seanad. It was introduced by Professor W. B. Stanford and was about the humane treatment of pigs in abattoirs. Again, a first for the Seanad. I welcome the Minister of State’s suggestion that Members of the Seanad might avail of an opportunity for consultation with civil servants. I remember doing that some years ago on a tax proposal I had and it was very helpful indeed, in particular if the person involved is more clever than oneself. I organised a consultation with the late Paul Tansey who was able to argue the case mathematically for me. That is a very good thing.

I noticed the Minister said the Department cannot express an opinion on the merits of the politics. That is fine. However, she also said that it could not be of any assistance in drafting a Bill. However, someone should. That is a lamentable defect in our parliamentary system. My colleague, Senator Quinn, introduced legislation, as has every single person on our benches. Senator Leyden has introduced legislation. We should have assistance. Drafting a Bill is a highly technical undertaking. An officer should be appointed by Government to assist us in producing legislation. It is not good enough for someone to say, “Oh, what do they do?”. They give us damn all help and they expect us to make bricks without straw. It is amazing the quality of bricks that come out of the Seanad. I ask the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, to take back the idea to her Cabinet colleagues. The Minister accepted that a number of other countries have paternity leave and accepts the principle of the Bill. I very much welcome that. It is a good day and I am sure the Bill will be tidied up. We in this House will be of increasing assistance to the Government in putting legislation for it to consider from Seanad Éireann. Watch this space.