Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. I thank my colleague Senator O'Loughlin and all those on the administrative panel for introducing this topic for debate. I thank also the Cathaoirleach for introducing this additional format whereby we can discuss and debate matters of importance in this House.

The matter of providing for maternity and paternity leave for county and city councillors is vital. That we are even in the position to debate the issue in this way is almost disappointing. In this day and age, you would assume this is already there for councillors. That said, I welcome the opportunity to discuss this important issue with my colleagues and I hope we will see progress in this area in the not-too-distant future. I agree with my colleague Senator Malcolm Byrne about the irony of this debate being scheduled at what is an unfriendly time for parents and families. Senators who are parents have spoken during the debate and there are also the staff who are working in the House. We need to do more to ensure we improve representation in politics in Ireland in general, and making the business of both Houses a little more family-friendly would surely be a good place to start.

It is brilliant that two female legislators have taken maternity leave in the current legislative term. I commend the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, and my Civil Engagement Group colleague Senator Flynn on leading the charge in this way and paving the way for more women to take maternity leave while in elected office. Even so, we should not have to commend individual women or men on taking maternity or paternity leave. It should be provided for each elected representative as standard to ensure we will support our elected representatives in starting or growing their family. The current system, wherein there is no formal provision for maternity or paternity leave, is not only an issue for our elected representatives but also a major barrier to entry for politics for many people, especially women.

Ireland is often referred to as a setter of standards in regard to the legal provision of maternity and paternity leave and of maternity and paternity benefit, but what does it say about us that we do not make the same provisions for those entrusted with the responsibility for making our laws and policies and overseeing the provision of our public services? It is an anomaly that needs to be urgently addressed. At present, councillors in our local authorities who wish to take maternity or paternity leave must do so under the provisions of section 18 of the Local Government Act 2001. My interpretation of this provision is it permits a six-month leave of absence in the event of an illness or another reason in good faith. This period of six months can be extended by resolution on two occasions, although I understand councillors receive a 50% reduction in their pay during this time. While it is positive that a workaround provides for councillors to take this paid leave of absence for six months, making an explicit provision for maternity and paternity leave would demonstrate we welcome a diverse range of individuals into political life in Ireland. Furthermore, while it is welcome the six-month period can be extended, I do not agree with elected representatives, especially young women, having to seek permission to take extended parental leave.

As for remuneration, it is welcome that a councillor's pay is unaffected in the first period of six months in which he or she takes leave, but we must acknowledge councillors are not well paid in the first instance, earning less than the living wage for what is a really important job. Councillors have access to an additional allowance budget, but mothers or fathers taking parental leave will see their allowances reduce significantly due to the fact they are unlikely to fulfil the attendance requirements for this allowance.Councillors who take parental leave are placed at a financial disadvantage and this is extremely problematic in terms of pay parity between existing elected representatives. It also creates a significant barrier to entry into local government as only certain people can afford to run for office. This means we do not get the diverse representation we require in local government and the voices of minority groups are not represented on many county and city councils. At present only 37 of 160 Dáil Deputies are women. We are doing a little better in terms of representation in the Seanad, where 23 of 60 Members are women. In our local authorities, only 20.6% of councillors are women. There is such value and importance in promoting the voices of women in national and local politics. Saying to young women in Ireland that they can have a role in public life while rearing a family will go some distance towards ensuring that more female voices are heard in our political spaces.

I welcome the publication of the report on the provision of maternity and paternity leave for elected members by local government by the Association of Irish Local Government. I endorse each of the recommendations it makes. We should make explicit provision for parental leave, ensure financial stability for new parents and adjust the work of our local authorities to ensure that it is better suited to new parents and families. The work of local government is important to parents and families, to our local communities and our society as a whole. It can only be improved on by creating more space for diverse voices. I thank my colleagues for introducing this important matter this evening and look forward to hearing the response from the Minister of State on how we can promote more diverse representation in political life in Ireland, especially through the provision of maternity and paternity leave. I also agree with Members who have said that councillors could do with more secretarial support.