Comment: Helen McEntee's pregnancy raises a political injustice

Affording maternity leave to TDs and councillors would not correct all of the gender inequality in Ireland. But it would be a good start

Minister for Justice & Equality, Helen McEntee, has announced she is expecting her first child. Picture: Sam Boal

There have rightly been many congratulatory messages to Justice Minister Helen McEntee and her husband on their announcement that they are expecting their first child.

There have also, though, been the predictable howls of "how is this news?" online. The fact is that a member of the Oireachtas, let alone the Cabinet, having a child while serving is noteworthy for a number of reasons.