Comments Helen McEntee, Ireland's Minister for Justice, is now the first person in the history of the Irish State to become pregnant, take maternity leave, and give birth all while serving as a Cabinet minister. As it stands, there are no provisions for members of Cabinet to avail of parental leave. However, Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed in March that McEntee would be granted a six-month maternity leave, and promised reforms surrounding parental leave for politicians. I’m pleased to announce that Government has facilitated the maternity leave of Minister @HMcEntee Having a family should in no way conflict with a career in public life.