Mr. Nicolas Schmit:

I agree. I know of countries where women get full compensation when on maternity leave. That should be the case but, when this directive was negotiated, it was probably difficult to get approval from a sufficient number of member states. For the specific period during which women are out of work because they are on maternity leave, they should be paid their full salary. This is not the case in all member states, however. I know of a few where it is the case but I see the Deputy's point with regard to what he qualifies as discrimination.