May 28, 2020
Decision to end the exclusion of women returning from maternity leave from the Temporary Wage Scheme a victory for common sense – Mary Lou McDonald TD

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has welcomed that a proposal will go to Cabinet tomorrow to end the exclusion of women returning from maternity leave from the Temporary Wage Scheme.  

She said:

“Several weeks ago, I wrote to the Taoiseach and other party leaders highlighting the fact that women returning from maternity leave were being excluded from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme on the grounds that – despite being employees – they were not on their employers payroll on 29th February 2020. We have repeatedly raised this issue with the government and in the Dáil.

“Pearse Doherty and I set out a straightforward solution to end the exclusion of these women which involved the Minister for Finance instructing the Revenue Commissioners to change the measure on an administrative basis pending the necessary amendment to the legislation.

“Despite the Taoiseach and Minister saying they couldn’t act as they needed new legislation, it now appears that they have accepted Sinn Féin’s proposal. This is a victory for common sense.

“It is welcome that a proposal is now going to go to Cabinet and this will come as a great relief to the women affected. Undoubtedly this comes as a direct result of women across the country speaking out and demanding an end to this discrimination.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

I welcome tonight’s statement from the Ceann Comhairle and her acceptance of the position set out by Sinn Féin and the combined Opposition - you cannot be in government and opposition at the same time.

This was a stroke too far on the back of a grubby deal and everyone knows…

One year ago today, history was made as I took up the position of First Minister.

Every day since, I’ve worked to ensure all our people are fairly represented and to meet the needs and aspirations of workers, families and communities.

I remain determined to do everything I can…

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney has welcomed the passing of a motion in the Assembly supporting greater north-south co-operation.

@DeclanKearneySF

👋 Meet your new Sinn Féin ministerial team.

Our strong Sinn Féin team in the Executive will work to continue leading positive change and improve the lives of workers, families and communities.

4

Load More

Statements