Statement from the IHCA following the approval of legislation on deferred maternity leave

Statement from the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) following the approval of legislation on deferred maternity leave: 
 
“We welcome the Government’s decision to approve the drafting of a Maternity Protection (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provision Bill, which will allow women undergoing treatment for serious illnesses to postpone their maternity leave by up to 52 weeks. This legislation is a positive change, allowing those new mothers faced with difficult diagnoses to focus on their vital treatment, and then enjoy quality time with their newborns. 
 
“The Association welcomes changes towards an effective and just healthcare system in a fair society, in which a patient’s full circumstances are taken into account and their dignity maintained when considering the timing of maternity leave.  

“This is also a matter of equality, as existing paternity leave legislation already allows men to defer their leave if they are unwell following the birth of their child.

“It is crucial that this welcome legislation is given priority after the summer recess by the Oireachtas as a whole, in order to ensure passage before a General Election is held. Our membership will continue to work towards a standard and flexibility of care which benefits our patients and the diversity of modern society at large.”

ENDS

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