Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

For example, the references in Article 18 of the UN convention are critical and central to the issue because we are discussing whether there is a legitimate basis to say preference can be given to a father and a mother when these decisions are being made. The article refers to parents and provides that state parties should take all appropriate measures to ensure the children of working parents have the right to benefit from child care services, etc. What does the term "parents" mean in that article? In the travaux préparatoire, UN document ECN4L.1575, paragraph 101, the state parties refer to working "mothers and fathers". It is there for all to see.