John McGahon (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the proposed changes to the parental leave age limit in the Civil Service. This has come to me from a former colleague in Louth County Council, Maria Doyle. Her words are much better than mine. It is somewhat complex and I want to put this on the record because I do not think the memo and the proposed changes are particularly fair.

Prior to the attached memo, parental leave was available unpaid for up to 26 weeks, which must be taken before the child is 12 years old, or 16 years old in the case of children with disabilities or indeed a long-term illness. This has now been changed for all children up to the age of 16. In the grand scheme of things, that seems like a good thing. However, from 1 May 2024, child benefit will be paid to anyone who is 18 and still in full-time education, or up to their 19th birthday to anyone who has a disability, so there is a discrepancy there straight away.

Would it not be more reasonable to extend the timeframe for children with a disability or long-term illness to allow their parents avail of parental leave up to 18 years of age or at least while they are in full-time education? It would cost the exact same money to the State. It would not entitle the parent to any additional weeks but would allow them to spread out the weeks, which is the important thing, and to avail of them while their child is still in school or further education. Children with a disability or long-term illness may well need parental support when it comes to exam time and this would allow them to remain in full-time education for longer at no additional cost to the State. On one level, we are doing something for children up to 18 and, on another level, we are doing something for children with a disability up to 16. I suggest that should be spread out to include children up to 18 in both situations or who are in full-time education. It does not incur any additional cost to the State. It is just about changing the system to make it more efficient.

The memo that was sent out about changes to the parental leave age limit is an example of an idea that was good on paper but which, when it is put in to practice, has gaps in it and a bit of space where this House, politicians or the Minister need to step in and tweak it to make it fair for everybody. I would like us to do something about that and would appreciate a debate around all aspects of parental leave and making it fair for everybody.