Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am very happy to support the amendment from Senator Ruane. I support the Bill in its spirit. We highlighted very much last summer the fact that many families had used maternity and paternity leave in a very short period because of Covid-19 and responsibilities arising from its effect. The same occurred with many who might have previously spread parental leave over five or ten years, using it when a child most needed that parental support.

It is really positive that we have family leave and the measures are also positive. I also welcome the measures relating to adoptive leave for same-sex couples, which are important. I echo Senator Ruane's comments, however. I realise, given the speed at which this Bill is moving, that the amendment might not be accepted today. Although I hope it is, I hope the Government will commit to working with us and bringing through this report if the amendment is not accepted. We must address the other aspects of the EU directive and there are concerns. The gap to the beginning of the early childhood care and education scheme is one of points where we know, for example, women fall out of the workplace. It is a danger point and there are major consequences when people leave the workplace this way.

It is really important for us to address this question and really examine how the Bill works for those who are parenting alone. It is important we remember the rights of the child, which are fundamental to this Department and in the Constitution. It should not be the case that the child of somebody parenting alone is in any way potentially disadvantaged by provisions in this legislation. Such children should get the same amount of care, and it should be central in our thinking. I hope the Minister will indicate that he will engage on these matters and other recommendations from the committee that are not addressed in the Bill before us today.