The National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) is calling on the Government to “put pressure” on the European Commission to go through with its proposed maternity leave bill.

An internal EU commission document noted the maternity leave proposal will be pulled and replaced if no agreement is made in the next six months.

NWCI director Orla O’Connor echoed the view of the European Women’s lobby which says the move suggests women’s rights are optional.

“We would be saying to the Irish government that they need to put pressure on the Business Europe lobby group to retract this plan within the six-month review period,” Ms O’Connor told Newstalk Lunchtime

“Our [maternity] leave, which is 26 weeks, is greater than the European average but the proposed legislation went further than just the amount of time afforded to mothers. It also offered protection from dismissal when women return to work,” she added.

The proposed legislation also includes provisions for paternity leave and job protection along with increased flexibility for breastfeeding mothers.

“When you extend women’s rights, you get more women working. Countries who have comprehensive maternity leave for women are seen to have thriving economies."