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by HRHQ Editorial Team
Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, has welcomed approval by the Government of the drafting of a Maternity Protection (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2024.
The legislation will allow mothers who require treatment for a very serious illness to postpone their maternity leave for a period of time. The legislation will also introduce, for the first time, a form of maternity leave for members of the Oireachtas and, in addition, brings in restrictions on the use of non-disclosure agreements in cases of discrimination and harassment.
Minister 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.
The General Scheme will now be referred to the Office of the Attorney General for drafting of the Bill.
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