Voluntary work, public representative work (e.g. Councillor or TD), and courses of education are allowed while you are in receipt of Maternity Benefit. However, you may not engage in insurable (paid) employment and your Benefit payment will be stopped if you do so.
If you intend to return to work earlier than you had stated on your application form, you must notify Maternity Benefit Section at least 2 weeks before your new 'return-to-work date'.