President of the Association of Irish Local Government Cllr. Mary Hoade today announced that AILG are currently developing a comprehensive proposal that will provide a clear pathway to introduce paid maternity/paternity/adoptive leave for councillors across Ireland.
“I can confirm that the Association of Irish Local Government is currently finalising a proposal to offer a viable solution to the necessary reform required to ensure full equality for all local public representatives and to introduce paternity and maternity leave for councillors.’
The current lack of maternity leave for councillors and the need for a faster pace of change in resolving the issue is clearly evident with the recent resignation of Cllr. Clare O’ Byrne who was only op-opted following last year’s general election and cited ‘lack of maternity leave’ as the reason for her resignation. It is unacceptable that a good young female councillor is lost to the system within 12 months ”
President Cllr. Hoade confirmed AILG would be submitting their proposal directly to Minister Peter Burke and his Department. She acknowledged her fellow female councillors across the country in her statement today adding:
“I wish to again offer my continued support and solidarity to my fellow female councillors across the country who have spoken out against this issue and to assure them that AILG will continue to be to the forefront in finding a solution to this matter.”
You can view the full press release HERE
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