Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It would be up to the local authority in question to decide that. Essentially, if a representative wants to take maternity leave and step away from her role, we will provide her with the support to do that, and with a temporary substitute. However, the representative may wish to remain in her role. Indeed, some women have expressed such a preference, but have stated that administrative support would make their role a little easier at that juncture. That is why we have provided, through regulation, that they will have that administrative support to help them carry out their role. They will not be fully on maternity leave if they choose not to leave their position.