Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Bill. I thank the Social Democrats for bringing it forward. I thank the Fianna Fáil Party and Senator Ardagh for taking on a Private Members' Bill from the Dáil that has had wide support. I hope the Government will consider giving some time to it so that we can progress it.

Let us note that the only reason that the proposal is for unpaid leave is due to the Standing Orders of the Dáil in terms of cost to the Exchequer. I do not see any objection in this House to the Fine Gael Party bringing forward an amendment that would change the provision for unpaid leave to paid leave, which can be done in this House. I think that would be welcomed.

This is not only an important Bill in terms of the make-up of families and families being able to spend time with their children when they need them most. It will also help to shift some of the culture within business and employment sectors. Right now no matter how much we talk about equality among parents and the role of fathers, not only in terms of a woman's career and a woman being able to get back to work, the father having equal access to leave and being supported by the employer to do that, it does not really exist. I have found that whether a child is sick or has had a small operation where a parent needs some days at home, employers are less likely to allow a father that time off than a mother. A mother is automatically expected to leave her workplace if a child has to be taken out of school or has to stay at home. That culture does not exist for men and men are told they cannot go home from work. The more legislation we introduce that will force employers to give equal standing to men and women in the workplace in terms of their responsibilities within the home the better.

I support this Bill. Senator Higgins who had hoped to be here today has worked on this issue for a number of years in the National Women's Council and I know she wants to lend her support to the legislation and she hopes to be able to contribute on the next Stage.