Maternity Leave proposals cannot leave women shortchanged

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada welcomed indications from the European Commission that it will bring forward a new proposal on maternity leave but warned that it cannot fall short of what was already before the European Parliament.

Liadh Ní Riada said:

“This Summer the Commission axed a proposed directive that had the potential to provide mothers across Europe with decent and dependable maternity leave, and also contained strong provisions on paternity leave.

“I am glad to see that the Commision intends to bring a new directive before the European Parliament in 2016 but it is imperative that this new proposal does not shortchange women. It cannot roll back on what was agreed previously by Parliament. The Commission must not bow to pressure from the employers’ lobby and right-wing parties to undermine a strong directive on maternity and paternity leave.

“Women are under-represented in the workforce in Ireland and across Europe and are more likely to experience poverty and social exclusion. Women are also more likely to be paid less, work fewer hours and do more unpaid work than men. Providing adequate, appropriate and dependable maternity leave will increase female participation in the workforce and bring us a step closer to a level playing field for women in the workplace.

“This new proposal from the Commission must also meet the strong recommendations of MEPs for a fair system of paternity leave, where partners are facilitated and supported in fulfilling their caring roles as well.

““Equality for women is still along way off in Ireland and across Europe. As public faith in the EU as a force for social good is at its lowest ebb, the Commission must ensure these proposals work for women and for working people in Ireland and across Europe.

“Sinn Féin believes in a fair recovery for Ireland and we will fight alongside our colleagues from across the continent to deliver a fair, prosperous and social Europe.”