The Irish government has given its approval for a legislation that will ensure women undergoing treatment for cancer or other serious illnesses will not be forced to use maternity leave.
The legislation will also see the introduction of statutory right to maternity leave for members of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament).
The Maternity Protection (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2024 will allow for a pause in the maternity leave in the case of a serious illness for a period of up to 52 weeks.
However, the need for the pause must be certified by a doctor or consultant.
Reflecting on the development, Minister for Children, Equality and Integration, Roderic O’Gorman said: “Maternity leave is such an important time for mothers and their babies, and so no one should be forced to use that time for undergoing medical treatment.”
“The legislation approved today will mean that, where necessary, mothers will be able to postpone their maternity leave, focus on their treatment, and retain that precious time with their baby,” he added.