The Cabinet is set to approve a draft scheme to grant maternity leave to councillors.
It's currently unavailable, as councillors are deemed 'office-holders' and not 'employees'.
The new scheme is due to offer the choice to appoint a temporary substitute in the place of a councillor, if they choose to take maternity or illness-related leave.
An allowance for administrative support, similar to that available to female TDs and senators, is also set to be introduced.