A Sligo Leitrim TD is hopeful that a new scheme will encourage more women into local politics.
Councillors could have access to paid maternity leave for the first time from early next year.
Cabinet approved a scheme yesterday which will entitle councillors to co-opt a substitute for the duration of their leave.
The lack of proper maternity time away has long been cited as a barrier to women entering politics.
Independent TD for Sligo Leitrim Marian Harkin says it’s a positive development:
