Spring is a time when the thoughts of many veterinary practitioners turn to the subject of maternity in one species or another. On a more human level, PeterBishton, Veterinary Ireland's Deputy Chief Executive, examines the employment legislation covering maternity in Ireland, including the rights and responsibilities of both employer and employee, especially those relating to the taking of ma ternity leave. The news received last October 20th that MEPs had passed proposals on paid maternity and paternity leave caused consternation across Europe, and specifically in recession-hit Ireland. Under the proposals, 20 weeks maternity leave and two weeks paternity leave would be paid to mothers and fathers at full rate. Although the proposals were not specific as to whether employers or the State would have to foot the bill, such payments were estimated at costing Ireland an extra EUR 300m per year, another heavy burden which Irish businesses argued was not sustainable, especially under the current economic climate.
展开▼
