Local Councillors Could Have Access To Paid Maternity Leave

Local councillors could have access to paid maternity leave for the first time from early next year.

Cabinet approved a scheme this morning which will entitle councillors to co-opt a substitute for the duration of their leave.

The lack of proper maternity time away has long been cited as a barrier to women entering politics.

Today’s policy proposals were also informed by an all-female working group established by Minister Peter Burke last year, specifically to explore the provision of maternity leave and supports for county and city councillors.

The group was made up of seven female councillors, nominated by the main political parties as well as an independent councillor, was representative of councillors from urban and rural constituencies and a demographic that had first-hand experiences of the issues facing women elected representatives.