Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:68 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to provide for paid parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3191/01]
Written Answers. - Parental Leave.
There are no plans at present to introduce paid parental leave. However, the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness provides that my Department will conduct a review of the operation of the Parental Leave Act, 1998, in consultation with the social partners, in 2001. This commitment is in accordance with section 28 of the Act, which provides for a review of the operation of the Act within not less than two years and not more than three years of its commencement on 3 December 1998. As announced in Budget 2001, it is proposed to advance this review with a view to improvement of the arrangements in this area. This review will provide an opportunity to assess provisions of the Act in the light of its operation.