Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity to speak on this important Bill that I am proud to co-sign with my Labour colleagues. I thank Senator Ivana Bacik for her work on the Bill. Once again, she is promoting women's health in this country and identifying the many failures we have with regard to the health of women.Once again, she is introducing a Bill to assist women at one of the most difficult times in their lives, a time when they should not feel alone and when couples should be able to support each other without having to worry about when the bill will be paid.

As others have done, I acknowledge the contribution of my colleagues, Senators Sherlock and Seery Kearney. The human story is always important. I hope the stories of the two Senators and their contributions tonight will give hope and solace to those going through this most difficult stage in their lives and let them know they are not alone. As Senator Seery Kearney said, it is important to know there is somebody to talk to, but only if they want somebody to talk to. I thank my colleague, Councillor Alison Gilliland, for her work on this Bill.

Sadly, one in five pregnancies ends in miscarriage, affecting 14,000 women. Behind the figures are human stories, including stories of hope and, indeed, stress. Most important, they are stories of Irish women and men whose lives will revolve around starting a family.

For far too long, women have had to remain silent in their workplaces about the grief of early miscarriage or have had to use their annual leave to attend appointments for IVF treatment. This Bill seeks to provide women and, indeed, men with support in the workplace when they are struggling with fertility or other reproductive health issues. The Bill is about recognising that behind the miscarriage statistics are hopes and dreams dashed through pregnancy loss. Most important, it is about real change whereby this country will finally begin to recognise the importance of women in the workplace. The Bill will assist so many of them when they need assistance most.