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

I thank Senator Maria Byrne. It is 26 and 16 weeks for maternity leave and it is 18 months for illness if somebody is very sick and needs that support. We are happy to work with the Senator on any suggestions she has. For the individual who is going on maternity leave, it should be their choice. That is how we are framing this policy piece around this legislative change. It would be their choice as to who would represent them on the local authority, because it is a very personal thing to go on maternity leave. Someone needs to trust the person they will seek to discharge their duties for their community. If that trust were to be taken away from women, that would be a regressive step. Women tell me that when they are making this choice, they may decide to carry on, and many are pushing for the administrative supports, which are given. They may decide to carry on doing their functions but with a slightly lighter workload by having that support. That is why that piece is so important.

As I said, if we see any stress points or this mechanism being in any way thwarted at a local authority level, we will stand ready to take action. We will rely on all our Deputies, councillors and Senators to keep us informed on that, because it is apolitical. I want to stress that, right across the political divide, everyone has been helpful with suggestions in framing this legislation