Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

This issue was raised by several Members on Second Stage. We all understand the valid policy reasons given for the change to this credit and I thank the Minister for clarifying the 100-days issues. Senator Jim D’Arcy first asked if this measure would be looked at again and I raised it with the Minister in October. We all welcome the amendment to allow the relinquishing of the credit by the primary carer in cases, which greatly improves the measure. However, as others have said, the 100-days requirement comes across as a clumsy compromise. I agree with Senator Jim D’Arcy that the underlying theme of this provision is based on an outdated model of parenting, that the primary carer and the breadwinner are still divided along gender lines, namely the former is a woman, the latter, a man. As the Constitutional Convention found in its debates on the provisions on women in the home in the Constitution, it is a flawed model when so many couples are share-parenting, even in separation and divorce, and that both partners often work outside the home.

Yesterday on the conclusion of Second Stage, the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, spoke about perhaps reviewing how this provision works. We may find it is hard to work it. The Minister’s earlier amendment will resolve matters for many separated couples, allowing them to work it out between themselves. There may still be some issues around the 100 days, however.

I have concerns about that, which are shared by others.