Policy Briefs
Paternity leave studied
The government will consider granting male civil servants paid paternity leave. It will also consider whether to make this provision a statutory requirement for all employers, not just the government. Out of 157,000 civil servants, about 100,000 are male. On average, 2,700 of their wives have given birth every year in the past three years.
Gallery for Bruce Lee
The government will set up a gallery in honour of martial arts star Bruce Lee at the Heritage Museum in Sha Tin. Despite his statue on the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, Lee's fans have long argued that the hero of Enter the Dragon deserves a more appropriate tribute.
Health care expanded
The first-year intake of medical students will be increased by 100 to 420 from next year, nursing by 40, and related health fields by 146, for which the government will allocate HK$200 million over the next three years. Beds for intensive neonatal care will increase by 10 per cent in five of the seven public hospital groups, adding a total of 10 beds. About 2,000 more patients with mental illness will be treated.
Upgrade for theme parks
Ocean Park will explore the feasibility of developing Tai Shue Wan as a new theme zone with an all-weather indoor Water World, an ice-skating rink and dining and entertainment facilities. Disney will open the new themed area, Toy Story Land, on November 18, and is exploring further expansion.
In-the-swim boost
Monthly tickets for public swimming pools will be launched next year to encourage people to take up exercise. A ticket will cost less than HK$600 for adults and less than HK$300 for the elderly and children. The plan will require lawmakers' approval.
