Maternity plan ‘a real positive’ for Irish politics

Fine Gael councillor Sinead Sheppard. Picture: David Keane.

Cork county councillor Sinead Sheppard, a mother of three, has welcomed the announcement that local councillors will be entitled to maternity leave

Ms Sheppard, who became a councillor 13 years ago at the age of 27 and has had all three of her children while in office, said the Cabinet-approved proposal is “a big step forward for Irish politics”.