The world of politics must become more women and family friendly.
That's according to Athlone Councillor Louise Heavin who says she brought her 5 day old son to a local authority meeting because there was no provision for maternity leave as a public representative
She believes women must be facilitated in taking time off despite their role in the workplace.
Several organisations are highlighting the lack of legal provision to allow politicians to take leave after having a baby and speaking on the Joe Finnegan Councillor Heavin says this must change.
''This whole conversation is welcome because it's something that we, as a society have kind of forgotten about , you know, women should be facilitated to be in any role in society and that includes high powered roles and positions and cabinet ministers. And just because we have babies, doesn't mean that we can't undertake these roles, given proper time off.''
