Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am just saying it as it is. I have sympathy for Oireachtas Members, especially those who lost their seats during the Covid-19 pandemic because they could not take up employment. Things were closed down. They had no income. I grant that there is a termination payment when Members leave these Houses.

Having said that, I take the Deputy's point on maternity leave. We are bringing forward legislation to ensure Oireachtas Members can take maternity leave, but at the moment, they will not be paid for it. Members will be paid, but if they are no longer Members and they are still pregnant they will not get maternity benefit. That is the way it is. I will leave it there.

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