AN overwhelming majority of women in Ireland have said they think maternity leave should be extended during the coronavirus pandemic.
Pressure continues to mount on the government to make a decision which could help out thousands of mothers who currently have limited childcare available to them.
Data compiled by rollercoaster.ie - Ireland's leading website for the ups and downs of pregnancy, parenting and family life - showed that 74% of respondents thought that new mother should have their paid leave extended.
Maternity leave in Ireland currently stands at 42 weeks, with 26 of those under full pay.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin insisted earlier this week that he would consider extending maternity leave but that he wouldn't be rushed into a quick decision just to make himself "sound popular".
"It is our intention to do the right thing but to do it in a considered way. It is not as simple as the deputy has outlined and there are complexities in relation to it, from a legal and a policy standpoint," he said.
Micheál Martin says he won't rush a decision about extending maternity leave"The estimated costs are about €78 million and it would affect about 24,000 women.
"This matter is being examined by government and there is consultation between the Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Justice. I want to point out that the retrospective nature of what is being proposed may create legal and policy difficulties.
"For example, some of the women who have exhausted their maternity benefit are now back at work or on the pandemic unemployment payment.
"I spoke to ministers yesterday, they are engaged in consultations on this issue and I can say it is our intention to come back with a considered response on the issue."
28,000 people have signed a recent petition, set up by the National Women's Council of Ireland, to call for a one-off extension, stressing that women on maternity leave during lockdown don't have access to the usual support group and hospital visits they would normally have.
