Fine Gael councillor and cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Thomasina Connell is set to become the first county councillor to benefit from new measures to provide for maternity leave for elected members of local authorities.

The legislation was passed last Thursday – just days after Ms Connell and her partner Tristan Lynas welcomed the arrival of baby Thomas Norman. She is the first councillor eligible to seek the benefit of the new maternity protections.

The legislation gives councillors an entitlement to maternity leave for the first time. “The absence of maternity leave and associated rights for councillors has for so long been identified as one of the major bars to women entering into, and remaining in political life, particularly at county council level,” she said.

The alternative to taking a period of leave is that an additional allowance is available to cover the cost of administrative assistance incurred in order to carry out council duties and meet commitments as an elected representative.