I too raise the issue of extending maternity leave for new mothers. I acknowledge that the Taoiseach said earlier that three Ministers are looking at the issue. In light of the fact that it is so urgent and that mothers have had to give up jobs because they cannot access childcare, what timescale are Ministers working to? Will the Taoiseach give a time by which he expects a decision to be made because new mothers need to know where they stand?

As I said earlier, the Ministers with responsibility for various aspects of this are engaging about the matter. It is somewhat more complex than has been presented, with regard to both policy and legal implications. I appreciate that there is a time issue. The Government will come back with a response as soon as possible.