Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I, too, thank the Social Democrats for introducing the Bill. I commend those who have driven it through the Seanad, including the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, whose understanding of the issue is important. As stated, there are issues that are more important than economic competitiveness. This is one of them. Legislation such as this does not only provide for the practical benefits that we know come from parents, carers and guardians being able them to spend more time with their children at the crucial early developmental stages of their lives, it also benefits workers, parents and guardians. This makes for happier and more productive workers and a healthier and more cohesive society. The passage of this legislation is positive. I thank and commend all of those involved and wish the Bill every success.