Seanad debates

Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Paternity Leave and Benefit Bill 2016: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

10:30 am

Photo of Martin ConwayMartin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for his successful stewardship of this important and ground-breaking legislation that will lead to the incremental equalisation of all citizens in this country. That is what we are all here to achieve and some day we will have a society where everybody is equal. This legislation empowers the fathers of young children and ensures that both parents play an equal role in the upbringing of children. Senator Lombard has notified us that he will become the father of twins in a few weeks' time. I am not sure how paternity leave works for Members of the Oireachtas but I am sure he will take some leave.

I thank Senators Wilson, Ó Donnghaile and Clifford-Lee for their co-operation on this Bill. When something is the right thing to do, it is great when this House comes together and supports it because, ultimately, everyone is in politics to do the right thing. We do not always agree on what is the right thing to do in this House. A precedent has existed - certainly for the five years prior to this legislation - that when something is fundamentally the right thing to do, this House usually comes together and sends out a clear message that this is what Seanad Éireann believes in, wants and would like to happen in the future. I hope that we will see the terms and conditions of this Bill used by fathers. I also hope that men will be supported by companies and that bosses will encourage them not to be afraid to look for this leave because the traditional ways could easily kick-in and prevent people from availing of this leave. I sincerely hope that society has matured sufficiently that this will cost more than €20 million because, hopefully, a lot more people will take advantage of this leave. Perhaps the terms and conditions will be extended and improved in the years to come. It is a good day for Dads and expectant Dads.

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