Madam, - Gemma Hussey is entirely correct in arguing (Opinion & Analysis, December 29th) that current State provision for childcare and for the needs of parents working outside the home is hopelessly unsatisfactory.
She calls forcefully for the establishment of subsidised creche facilities, for enhanced maternity leave and better infrastructure for families generally. However, there is one other measure that would be essential as part of any package to improve the supports available to parents in Ireland today: the introduction of some form of paid paternity leave.
Until fathers, like mothers, receive due recognition in the workplace, the sort of civilised provision for working parents that Ms Hussey so rightly proposes will be unattainable. - Yours, etc,
IVANA BACIK, Law Library, Four Courts, Dublin 7.