Justice Minister Helen McEntee has returned to office today after six months. She was on leave following pregnancy and baby birth.
McEntee had given birth to baby boy in April. She is the first woman to have a baby while serving in Cabinet.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys was managing the department in the absence of McEntee. Hildegard Naughten, the super junior minister, also helped Humphreys to move things within the department.
McEntee had strongly recommended the government to change the system in the country where the public office holders have no right to take maternity leave. As a matter of fact, they usually apply for sick leave.
Before taking maternity leave, McEntee said: “Just as girls of my generation looked to the strong women who came before us for inspiration and guidance, those of us in politics now have a responsibility to make it easier for today’s girls to fulfil those dreams and ambitions.”