A chara, – Congratulations to Róisín Ingle for raising awareness on the issue of pressures on working fathers (Magazine, December 3rd). Just one glaring omission – where was the token plumber representing the working class? – Is mise,
Sir, – In the article “I don’t know how he does it” by Róisín Ingle (Magazine, December 3rd) Phil Norton is quoted regarding paternity leave, “Just five days is a joke . . . the man is expected back to work after a week, which is ridiculous.” It is a common misconception in Ireland that fathers are entitled to any paternity leave at all. Paternity leave is not recognised in Irish employment law, whether a father is allowed to take leave at the birth of their child is entirely at their employer’s discretion. – Yours, etc,