Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will give consideration to reforming the current maternity leave system in order that fathers could take some of the leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56168/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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There are no plans at present to amend the Maternity Leave system to allow fathers to take some of that leave.

I intend to seek Government approval shortly for the General Scheme of the Family Leave Bill which will transpose Council Directive 2010/18/EU on Parental Leave. This new legislation will provide for an additional four weeks parental leave for both mothers and fathers. The Bill will also consolidate all of the various family leave legislation (maternity, adoptive, parental and carer's leave) in one Bill. This will also provide an opportunity to examine whether there is scope for additional improvements in current provisions in the area for leave for fathers.