The Killaloe-based CEO of the Women For Election group says a ‘suite’ of legal options are needed to guarantee maternity leave for politicians.
It’s after Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced her second pregnancy this week.
Minister McEntee made history last year by becoming the first ever Cabinet Minister to take maternity leave.
She announced during the week that she is to take leave again as she is pregnant with her second child.
It’s sparked fresh debate about the provision of such leave for politicians, and Government Ministers in particularly.
Minister McEntee came to a voting arrangement with Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns during her absence last year, while Minister Heather Humphreys temporarily took over the Justice portfolio.
However, it was the first time such formal plans had to be arranged.
Killaloe campaigner and CEO of the Women For Election group, Catriona Gleeson, says Government needs to exercise a number of legal options on the table.
Clare Independent TD Violet-Anne Wynne also took maternity leave earlier this year upon the birth of her daughter.
However, she believes legislation needs to be tightened up to ensure the next generation of female polticians are aware they can be supported when beginning a family.
It’s understood Minister McEntee will begin her maternity leave in December, and she is seen as likely to retain the Justice portfolio in any potential Cabinet reshuffle.
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