Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Craughwell for tabling the amendment but, as I indicated in the House on Monday, I will not be able to accept it. I am happy to consider it and will certainly ask my officials to look at the matter. Senators Ardagh, Higgins, Lombard, Wall, Seery Kearney, Chambers, Carrigy and Crowe have spoken and I understand and appreciate the points that all of them have made. It is important that we have a broader discussion on the issue. We know former Senators and Deputies who have young families, unfortunately, lost their seats at the most recent election, and have been unable to get jobs, particularly due to the fact that we find ourselves in a Covid-19 environment. They have been left with no income and, regardless of what party they belong to, that is a tough situation for anyone to find themselves. It is tough for people who have worked hard and contributed to both Houses and their constituents, whom they represented. The fact is that they cannot even sign on for credits. People who lost their seats are, of course, entitled to a severance payment and that also has to be considered when we look at this issue.

Senator Seery Kearney is correct that we need a wider debate. We need to look at other things here. For that reason, I think that it should be referred to the relevant Oireachtas joint committee. I respectfully suggest that the Senators write to the committee and ask it examine this issue in its entirety. I am happy to co-operate with that committee in any way I can and provide the information that it may require. Whatever recommendations are arrived at, we need cross-party support for this particular issue. That is important.

We need to look at maternity and paternity leave for Members of these Houses. It is only fair for that to be a part of the discussion. Senator Chambers recently had a baby. Senator Ardagh has young twins who are almost a year old. It is not easy juggling all of those demands. My family has grown up but, as a working mother with two young people, it was not easy to juggle everything. It is particularly difficult to do so for rural Deputies who are living in whatever part of the country they are. It is difficult to have a family and be present in the Dáil; there is no question about it. I know that others have looked at the issue but it is always good to look at things again with a fresh set of eyes.

Technology has changed our lives this year. Senator Craughwell is correct that there are many things that we are doing now that we never thought we would be doing. We need to use technology to its maximum. I am a big advocate for remote working and there is no reason we cannot encompass what we need to do in supporting mothers and fathers. It is not easy for a father who is living in Donegal and travelling all the way to Dublin. He may not see his kids from Monday to Friday. The Leas-Chathaoirleach knows all about that. Living in Cavan, he cannot go home every night. It presents challenges.

We need to look at the matter. I accept the spirit in which this amendment has been brought forward but, unfortunately, I cannot accept it. I am happy to work with the Senator to try to highlight the issue and find solutions.