Local councillors could have access to paid maternity leave for the first time from early next year.
Cabinet approved a scheme this morning 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.
Junior Minister Peter Burke explained how the new scheme will work:
"If women want to take full maternity leave and step away from their role in the chamber, they will be able to put forward a substitute to do their work in the local authority. Secondly, if they so wish and choose to keep working in the council chamber with the representative role, they will get administrative support to assist them in their maternity time to give them extra time to care for their infant."
