Madam, - Is it any wonder that Ailish Connelly (Opinion & Analysis, November 7th) detects a strong bias in the workplace against mothers and working families? Currently, this country is among the worst in the EU - sometimes even in comparison with the poorer accession states - in terms of the support we provide for working mothers and families.
We are at the wrong end of every comparative chart, graph or study for paid maternity leave; paid parental leave (non-existent); childcare costs and state support for same; and the legal right to flexible working. Other deficiencies, such as poor public transport and long commuting times, exacerbate the burden.
As the lead body for Irish trade unions, Ictu has been pushing for serious, substantial improvements across this whole area. The forthcoming Budget 2008 represents one opportunity to begin addressing a problem that, left untended, has the potential to cripple both our economy and our society. - Yours, etc,
SALLY ANNE KINAHAN, Assistant General Secretary, Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Parnell Square, Dublin 2.