Maternity Protection Bill must be amended to avoid discrimination

The bill could lead to a situation where employees with certain disabilities are treated less favourably than others

Concerns have been raised that the Maternity Protection Bill may undermine the very principles of fairness and equality it aims to protect.

The Maternity Protection Bill 2024, introduced in the Seanad last week, marks a significant step in supporting the needs of mothers with serious health conditions during maternity leave.

Ireland is one of the first countries to introduce such legislation. Specifically, the bill seeks to support mothers by allowing the postponement of maternity leave in cases where a mother becomes seriously ill.