MPs call for paternity leave, more paid parental leave

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http://www.todayonline.com/Hotnews/EDC120710-0000156/MPs-call-for-paternity-leave,-more-paid-parental-leave

As the Government embarks on a review of marriage and parenthood policies in the next few months, Members of Parliament (MPs) have raised a slew of suggestions in Parliament.

The case for paternity leave was raised again, after repeated calls over the past few years. MP (Marine Parade GRC) Seah Kian Peng called for paternity leave to be legislated, saying that parenting is a "shared responsibility".

Mr Seah also suggested that the Government look at helping parents who want children but are unable to, by increasing subsidies for in-vitro fertilisation.

MP (Ang Mo Kio GRC) Intan Mokhtar suggested that paid parental leave be increased.

Using Nordic and European countries as an example, she said paid parental leave in these countries were at least 40 weeks, compared to about 16 weeks here.

On the issue of maternity or parental leave, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said there were concerns on whether this would impact employability.

Mr Teo, who is the minister in charge of population policies, also pointed out that higher expenditure on parenthood policies might not be directly linked to a higher birth rate. He added that though he supports having measures in which men are encouraged to take a greater parental role, there are many other factors in play.

"Relying on Government measures alone would not raise Singapore's birth rate, as getting married and having children are personal decisions that reflect broader social values and attitudes," Mr Teo added.

Hence it is necessary to strengthen Singapore's pro-family environment, where employers, family members and society all have a part to play, he said.

Mr Teo also reiterated that forming a supportive family environment is a key priority for Singapore.