Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I move:

That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Local Government Act 2001 to allow local government members take full maternity leave.

Expanding access to politics is vital. Female representation in Dáil Éireann is still low by international standards with women constituting only 23% of Members. The bedrock of politics is local government and improving participation levels has to start at the grassroots. One of the five Cs identified as a barrier to female participation is child care. Currently local government members have to use sick leave as an excuse in order to take six months of maternity leave.

The Bill sets out clear legal criteria for members to avail of full maternity leave. It is a small move in the right direction to encourage more women into local politics. I hope it can attract cross-party support.

Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Is the Bill opposed?

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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No.

Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Since this is a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time.

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."

Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with Standing Order 147(4), the Bill will be taken on the next day on which Private Members' business is to be taken.