Call for legislation to allow elected representatives to be replaced while on parental leave
Mid Ulster Council is set to discuss calls for elected representatives to be replaced while on parental leave at June's full meeting.
Sinn Fein’s Ronan McGinley, has submitted a motion for discussion, outlining what he believes to a deficit in legislation. He said: “If a councillor takes maternity or paternity leave they face a tough decision - to give up their position on council or leave their constituents unrepresented.
“A councillor can take time out, but they are not allowed to be replaced if they intend to return to council. This leaves the voice of all those who voted unheard and this is unacceptable.
“If a councillor is seeking to take maternity or paternity leave, they should be afforded the same rights as those in employment.”