Deputy Cairns has started work on a bill that would give politicians access to maternity leave for the first time.
However there are constitutional issues that require politicians to be present and voting for themselves, that makes cover for female TDs difficult.
Deputy Holly Cairns believes they can find a way around that:
"Because it is kind of a lengthy process and a difficult one and perhaps there's a need for a referendum, I will be happy to pair with Minister Helen McEntee if we can't get it together in time. It's ridiculous that it isn't already in place but if that is the case I'd be happy to pair with her. But yeah it could be a long road to finding a proper solution but we need to work quickly because it's just ridiculous that we're having this conversation."
