Domestically Dependable…what?

Quietly and without much fanfare the Government have amended the Parental Leave Act to allow those in domestically dependable relationships to be able to take Force Majeur Leave. The sexual orientation of those relationships will be immaterial.
Minister Frank Fahey introduced the amendment during a committee meeting of the Select Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights last week. The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network have a press release welcoming the changes and also have a copy of the Minister’s speech on the matter here.

He specifically refers to the disadvantages faced by same sex couples and how this amendment will respond to demands made in various agreements/documents including Partnership. This had long been an area of concern for those in the Trade Union movement and had been raised at a seminar I attended last year held by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. One can only wonder at the shenanigans then went on in the Department of Justice that led to the phrase Domestically Dependable being used. Will it be used again in other legislation?
I can see it now…
‘Do you Mary take Sally to be domestically dependable on you, in sickness and in health and when the force majeur be upon you?’
I think the wording is rather silly and maybe Paddy Power will let me have a bet on the gender of the parliamentary draftsman…. Patriarchy is alive and well in St. Stephens Green!