Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Bill provides for an employee to take medical care leave to care for a parent or a grandparent. It does not work both ways. It covers grandparents but not grandchildren. It covers half that relationship. I put it to the Minister that, between now and Report Stage, he should consider this and see if there is any practical reason not to do this other than that Europe is not making us. I do not believe these provisions would be taken up to any great degree but, in a number of individual circumstances, it could make a significant difference. Again, my amendment covers aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and grandchildren. I will not press it now but I will bring it back on Report Stage and push it at that time. It is worth considering whether there is any reason not to do this.