Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I echo the sentiments of the amendment while also appreciating that the Minister, at the previous Stage of debate, gave a commitment to review when it comes to people who are parenting alone and experience particular hardship. That was one of the disappointments that came out of the pre-legislative scrutiny. Certainly, there is disappointment in the provision for lone parents. However, I do hear the Minister and I am holding him to it. The Minister has given a commitment to look at lone parents later in the year in a comprehensive way, and perhaps it goes against the spirit of, or would complicate, what is being legislated for here.

I acknowledge that we have until 2024. In light of all that is going on at present, it seems feasible and correct that we would review and, if we can, increase the financial provisions and support the Minister in any way to make those arguments when it comes to arguing over the budget at the pre-budget submission stages because the level of payment certainly is prohibitive in some instances for people availing of the statutory entitlement to leave. At the end of the day, this is about spending time with our children. This is about having that opportunity.

I welcome that, by default, this is the first time that parents in a surrogate-born situation will be able to avail of a statutory benefit as part of this measure.

I support the spirit of the amendment but ask the Minister to guarantee that he will review it on an ongoing basis.