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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Oct 2017

Vol. 960 No. 9

Maternity Protection (Local Government Members) Bill 2017: First Stage

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.

Is the Bill opposed?

Since this is a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time.

I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."

Question put and agreed to.

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.

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