The Government has approved my proposals for legislation on this issue and it is intended to bring forward a Bill as soon as possible.
The main thrust of the directive — to provide for a minimum of 14 weeks maternity leave — is already encompassed in the Maternity Protection of Employees Act, 1981. The proposed legislation will extend the right to maternity leave to all workers, including agency workers.
A new right to health and safety leave will be introduced and may be exercised where a risk to a pregnant mother or her child exists in the workplace which cannot be remedied by a change in working conditions and where no suitable alternative work is available. The payment of an appropriate allowance during such absence on health and safety grounds will be provided by the Department of Social Welfare following a short initial period where employers will be liable.