Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I cited the example of post-natal depression, so we would not be talking in generalities. It would not be unheard of for a woman to require more than two years to reach a position where she was ready to go back to work and take up her duties and tasks or other duties and tasks. I like this notion of rehabilitation and back to work. That is absolutely sound. The last thing one wants to do is to keep people in the category of "sick", psychologically for them and in terms of the work organisation. However, if the circumstances are exceptional and it takes that bit longer for people to get themselves fit and ready to take up their duties, that should be provided for. I do not think we should say two years and sín é - one is either fit to come back to work or not - in particular when dealing with illnesses which relate to people's mental health. As we have spoken a lot about pregnant workers, I have cited post-natal depression. It has taken people I know longer than that time to feel fully well and fully ready to go back to work but they were perfectly capable of assuming their duties again. I raise that again with the Minister.

See this speech in context