'Completely ridiculous' that sick cert needed for TDs taking maternity leave, minister says

MINISTER HELEN MCENTEE has called for further reform of the maternity leave structures that exist in Leinster House, after the issue was brought back into focus last week over expenses paid to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns.

Cairns was the subject of scrutiny earlier this month, after the Irish Times reported that she had to repay the Oireachtas €8,500 in expenses paid by the Oireachtas during her maternity leave last year.

There was no wrongdoing on Cairns’ part, she had informed the Oireachtas she was taking maternity leave and would not be travelling to Leinster House, but despite this, the Oireachtas continued to pay her the travel and accommodation allowance that is given to TDs.

Cairns said once she realised the allowance was still being paid into her constituency account, she contacted the Oireachtas and requested the payment be paused for the duration of her maternity leave. https://x.com/TJ_Politics/status/2102047714787635320?s=20