Referendum may be needed to allow maternity leave for politicians, Taoiseach says Many legal experts, however, believe that more practical solutions can be found. By Hayley Halpin Monday 28 Dec 2020, 9:21 AM Dec 28th 2020, 9:21 AM 28,681 Views 84 Comments Helen McEntee Helen McEntee Image: Julien Behal via RollingNews.ie A REFERENDUM MAY be required to allow female politicians to take maternity leave, the Taoiseach has said. Justice Minister Helen McEntee has recently announced she is expecting her first child, but there is currently no legal provision to allow her to take maternity leave. Currently, politicians must provide a sick note if they wish to take time off to spend time with their newborn children.