Parental Leave Bill warrants full Oireachtas support – Clifford-Lee

Fianna Fáil Seanad Spokesperson on Justice, Children and Youth Affairs Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee has said extending the duration of unpaid parental leave is essential to all parents and will help women in particular to achieve a greater work life balance.

The Parental Leave Amendment Bill was before Seanad Éireann at committee stage this afternoon.

The Fingal based Senator said, “Many parents of young children are struggling to manage all of their responsibilities and should be better supported in balancing their home and work lives while under huge pressure day to day. Extending parental leave will give families greater choice and flexibility in the early, busy years.

“This important piece of legislation aims to give parents some breathing space and help them make the juggle less of a struggle.

“Fianna Fáil has been vocal in our opposition to any efforts to delay this bill. We are truly committed to supporting women, both in the home and at work, as well as fathers who want to stay at home to achieve greater work-life-balance for families.

“We need to see this bill passed as quickly as possible for it to be enacted to benefit families nationwide,” she concluded.