Work contract & pregnancy

Hi all. Would appreciate advice on the following.

I work for a third level institute. I began here on a one year contract from 06 to 07. In 07 I was offered another one year contract in a different job at a higher level from 07 to 08. In 08 I signed another contract for the same job. This contract expires in 2010.

The thing is I am 33 and my husband and I want to start a family. In this current climate I am quite worried that if I take time out to have a baby this could provide an opportunity for my employer to get rid of me! I know there is some rule about the number of fixed term contracts you can have before you have some right to be made permanent - I'm hazy on this and could be completely wrong of course.

There is - google the EU fixed term workers directive and talk to your union. ou are a member, aren't you? If not, join today.

It's perfectly clear on the Dept of Enterprise Trade and Employment Website. You have permanent rights after 4 years if on fixed term contracts. However yours expires in 2010, which is 4 years? so unless renewed you don't have permanent rights.