The public is being asked to lobby the Government to support a plan that would allow parents to split paid maternity leave.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she has been obsessed with being a new parent which has helped her appreciate why people with young families may not find time for politics.

There are calls for parents to be able to share maternity leave.

New research which has looked at women’s career progression in Ireland finds that leading C-Level Executives take less than 20% of the national average maternity leave in order to preserve their careers.

There is a call for better maternity leave for female politicians.

More than half of women on maternity leave feel anxious and nervous about returning to work, according to a survey from New Ireland Assurance.

A GP has been ordered to pay a former practice secretary €27,500 after it was found that he discriminated against her when dismissing her while she was on maternity leave.

Maternity leave is being extended for mothers whose babies are born prematurely. The Government decision will be announced today and is expected to benefit over 4,500 mothers annually.

A female army Captain excluded from a promotions process for the position of Commandant due to being on maternity leave has been awarded €824,794 damages by a High Court judge, reports Ann O’Loughlin. 

Over half of mothers (52%) continue to work during their maternity leave.

Mothers of premature babies may get extra maternity leave.

The Green Party have put down a motion calling for the Government to extend the maternity leave and maternity benefit of mothers of babies born prematurely.

The Dáil will this week debate a Green Party motion calling for the Government to extend maternity leave and maternity benefit for the mothers of premature babies.

Ireland is one of just two countries in Europe that reportedly fails to offer mothers ‘decently-paid’ maternity leave.

Pregnancy puts a woman’s body under huge pressure, often leaving her exhausted. A supportive work environment is essential, says Helen O’Callaghan.

A survey reveals eight in 10 women are reluctant to go back to their jobs following maternity leave. Managing the transition is key, says Helen O’Callaghan.