David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for an engaging debate. I am delighted that we are able to move forward towards finalising the Bill. I hope and understand that it will complete its final passage through the Dáil next week. The main point to take away this evening is that we have introduced measures which are fair and, more importantly, which benefit parents and families. This Government and that which preceded it have consistently supported working parents and families, and we will continue to do so.

We recently announced the introduction of a new paid parental leave scheme, as I am sure Senator Higgins would acknowledge, which is expected to commence later this year. This new scheme will initially provide for two weeks of paid, non-transferable leave per parent to spend with their new babies during their first year, rising to seven weeks by 2021. I look forward to the implementing legislation being progressed through the Houses and to hearing the views of Seanad Éireann on the Government’s proposals.

Ten very detailed amendments were brought forward this evening to make the Bill before the House work. A great deal of effort was put into that by my officials in the Department of Justice and Equality and by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and the Office of the Attorney General. Senators will realise that every comma, dot and full stop must be watched in legislation in order to ensure that it works and that there are no unintended consequences that might leave people worse off. Every item of legislation must be scrutinised to the nth degree to ensure it is correct because we do not want to do something that might have the opposite effect of what we intended. People may be critical of delays and so on but sometimes delays are important to ensure things are got right. It is better to be a little late and correct. I am sure that the Bill is now right. We plan that parents will be in a position to take the leave from 1 September.

I thank Senators for their co-operation and for getting the Bill through on time.