Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The issue I would like to raise today is in some ways a follow-on from what the previous speaker said. It is the issue of maternity leave for workers who have become new parents during the coronavirus crisis. In particular, I wish to bring the House’s attention the campaign which calls for a temporary three-month extension of maternity leave for those workers who have become new parents. Many Members of the House supported the campaign outside the gates of Leinster House today. As a parent of three children, my experience was that at the time of becoming a parent, one is at one’s most vulnerable but is being given the greatest responsibility. It is a very special time. The coronavirus has had an enormous impact on people of all ages, including the elderly and teenagers, but it has been incredibly disruptive to new parents.Speaking to the National Women's Council of Ireland representative, Orla O'Connor, today, and to parents who came out in the rain, this issue of the extension of the maternity leave benefit is a matter that is falling between a number of Ministries. I ask that the Seanad would collectively ask that the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response take on this issue, address it and look to give some certainty to parents. Give new parents a break. In my constituency of Dublin Central, childcare was incredibly scarce and incredibly expensive before the virus. There is a piece of work that has to be done to make childcare affordable and accessible, particularly for parents in the city, and parents whose maternity leave will run out and who have not had an opportunity to spend it in a quality way with their new babies should be given a break. I ask that the Seanad ask the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response to take this up with the new Ministers because there is more than one Minister involved.