Minister for Justice Helen McEntee to take six months paid maternity leave from 30th April. The Taoisech has presented this in the Dail and said that she will remain a member of the Govt with certain exemptions.
Michael Martin assures necessary supports from the Govt. will be provided to carry out administrative rules. Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys will be the acting Minister for Justice from May 1 to October 31.
Minister of State James Browne continues his role in the Department of Justice while minister Hildegarde Naughton will work as minister of State at the Department of Justice and will continue to perform her duties at the Transport Department.
Taoisech has an idea to reform the leave scheme and provide equality for all representatives. He hopes to introduce maternity as well as paternity leave for councillors, senators, TDs and ministers. The Govt is very watchful on the families of ministers as they want to make sure that no conflict should arise between their family life and career in public life. He urged the Dail that this may need legislative or constitutional change.
McEntee had already spoke to the Dail on the lack of provisions for TDs, ministers and senators which act as the disencouraging signal that would pull back women who aim at public service and politics.