TD Slams Discrimination Against Women On Maternity Leave

“Breath-taking disregard by Government on women’s rights over way Wage Subsidy Scheme operates,” says Brid Smith TD

Ministers answers confirms Government are knowingly discriminating against women on maternity leave

People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith has slammed a Ministerial reply that confirms discrimination against women who were on maternity leave in January and February.

The TD had highlighted cases where women returning to an employment which was now operating the wage subsidy scheme could face significant lower payments than other work colleagues.

The TD said she was outraged by the reply: “I assumed this was an oversight and no government department would knowingly do this. The answer confirms they know about this and seem happy to punish women who have been off work having children.”

The TD said the issue will be raised in the Dáil this week and the Government would be open to challenge by women who suffer this discrimination.”