Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 May 2023
240. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 418 of 18 May 2023, if he will provide details of the practical concerns he is referring to regarding the operation of the Houses of the Oireachtas arising from the introduction of maternity leave for Members. [25428/23]
View answerThe Government is very committed to ensuring that Members of the Oireachtas can avail of maternity leave and I have indicated my intention to bring forward legislative proposals as a stand-alone Bill.
However, before legislative proposals can be brought forward, the practical implications regarding issues, such as how allowances to Members should be dealt with, must be considered and resolved.
The operation of the Houses of the Oireachtas in the first instance is a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission and my officials are engaged with the relevant officials on the practical implications of introducing maternity leave.
