Pauline O'Reilly (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I wish to use the brief time I have to discuss the issue raised by Senator Sherlock in respect of parental leave. I know she asked for clarity from the Minister. I hope to be able to afford her clarity. It is absolutely the case that the legislation will be retrospective. Everyone who has had a child since November 2019 will be entitled to the five weeks' leave. In spite of the length of time the legislation may take, there is no question of anyone not receiving that to which they are entitled. Changes have to be made to the Adoptive Leave Act to ensure that same-sex couples who may not be birth parents will also be entitled to that leave. I hope to give that clarity and assurance to people. I know there is anxiety around the issue but we need to make sure that anyone who has had a child in Covid times has that security and can know that, no matter how long they have to wait for the legislation, they will still be entitled to that leave. It is paid leave. This is a crucial part of the programme for Government. As all present will know, many parts of the programme for Government are around parents, children and women. We need to get those commitments onto the Statute Book to ensure that people have the support required so we have a society that is not only successful economically, but that also values its women, children and parents across the board, regardless of their gender.