A Green Party Councillor is resigning on International Women's Day while calling for better supports for women in politics.
Cllr. Clare O'Byrne, who recently had her first child, has described the lack of maternity leave for elected representatives as a serious obstacle.
The South County Dublin council, had planned to continue her work after having her first baby in December.
"My colleagues in the Green Party offered to help out but I soon realised that wasn't a long term solution."
Cllr O'Byrne said Ireland finds itself in an "embarrassing situation".
"There's such a scramble at the minute to figure out what to do with Helen McEntee's maternity leave".
The Justice Minister is expecting her first child.
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62% of governments across the globe offer maternity leave to elected representatives. Ireland is not among them.
Despite this face being recognised as a barrier for women entering and remaining in politics, it's never been addressed.
Clare O'Byrne hopes the Government's actions to facilitate Minister McEntee are meaningful.
"I hope that it's not just a temporary solution."
"I hope it's there for women in the future and I hope it does trickle down to local level," she added.
Happy #InternationalWomensDay! Just as girls of my generation looked to the strong women who came before us for inspiration and guidance, those of us in politics now have a responsibility to make it easier for today’s girls to fulfil their dreams and ambitions. #ChoosetoChallenge pic.twitter.com/8rWwWkLSzj
— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) March 8, 2021
22.5 per cent of Dáil seats are currently filled by women, below the global average of 25 per cent.
