Lorraine Clifford Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is a good day for this House in terms of the cross-party effort to have the Bill passed. It was originally a Social Democrats Bill. As outlined by Senator Ardagh, Fianna Fáil took it in its Private Members' time, as did the Labour Party and the Government. It is a good example of a cross-party effort. There is a little disappointment at the commencement date being September because, as other colleagues outlined, people urgently need this provision to be commenced. I receive correspondence every day calling for it to be brought forward urgently. However, it is better late than never. The provision is a welcome relief to working families who find it difficult to juggle child care responsibilities and their working lives. It is one of a number of measures needed in this area. I hope we can work in a similar fashion to introduce other measures.

My colleagues in the Dáil Deputies Lisa Chambers and O'Loughlin introduced the Shared Maternity Leave and Benefit Bill, which needs to be progressed. What is proposed therein will not suit everybody, but it will make a dramatic difference to some people. We need to keep the focus on families who are at a difficult time in their lives in child rearing. As I know that the Minister is committed to helping them, I hope we can work together to move on the Shared Maternity Leave and Benefit Bill. Families need a break.

As stated, this is a good day. Will the Minister indicate when the Bill will be taken in the Dáil? I would like to see it taken, passed and sent to the President for signature next week. The mothers and fathers of Ireland will then be able to breathe a sigh of relief.