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The European Commission President was ‘standing up for all women’ in her speech condemning the way she was treated on a recent visit to Turkey, according to Senator Regina Doherty.
Addressing the European Parliament yesterday, Ursula von der Leyen said she was not offered a chair during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and European Council Charles Michel, for no other reason than, “because I am a woman.”
The incident has been dubbed ‘sofagate’ – as President von der Leyen was forced to sit on a sofa during the meeting while the male politicians sat on the only two chairs that were set out.
Political Reporter
The Taoiseach has told the Dáil that Minister for Justice Helen McEntee will take six months of paid maternity leave from 30 April.
Minister McEntee will remain a member of the Government without portfolio.
Micheál Martin said that Minister McEntee will be provided with the necessary administrative supports to carry out any limited duties that may arise.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys will be assigned responsibility for the Department of Justice from 1 May to 31 October, in addition to her current portfolio.
Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton will be assigned as Minister of State at the Department of Justice for the same period, while continuing with her duties at the Department of Transport.
Publication
Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD on Maternity Leave Arrangements for Minister Helen McEntee TD, Dáil Eireann
Check Against Delivery
I would like to congratulate Minister Helen McEntee and her husband Paul on the news that they are expecting their first child next May.
It is a very special time in their life and they have all our best wishes.
Minister McEntee and I agree that she should of course be entitled to access the same full period of 6 months maternity leave as any other public servant.
Like any other woman, she should be afforded every opportunity to continue in her role and to pursue her career, in accordance with her own wishes.