I move:
That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide maternity leave for female members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and to provide for related matters.
This Bill is being brought forward because, under statutory instruments there is very little clarity regarding the rights of female Members when they wish to take maternity leave. It is not written into the statutory instrument, which declares that people have the right. It is left to interpretation. Deputy Smyth and I seek to have that right written expressly into law in order that female Members have the same rights and entitlements as other females working in other sectors and under other work agreements.
I know by the way the Minister of State, Deputy English, is nodding his head that he understands exactly the thrust of the Bill, which is to provide the opportunity for more females to get involved in local and central government. It also gives us the opportunity to show the importance of a good work-life balance for females who wish to have families but who also wish to engage in public life. I will give an example of my council, Galway County Council. There is an understanding that if someone misses two or six consecutive meetings, depending on the chair or the interpretation of the standing order, it can be deemed that it is no longer appropriate for them to attend that particular meeting. The thrust of the Bill is to bring clarity to the situation and provide the opportunity for more females to get involved in local and central government.
