Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

As the Deputy may be aware, the Government has a substantial programme in the area of women's rights. Unlike the Deputy's party, we will put in place legislation to ensure greater participation by women in electoral politics, in particular in general elections. This is legislation that would never have been contemplated by the Deputy's party in government. A very successful conference was held in Dublin Castle organised by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch; there were so many women present that we had to provide a room to cater for the overflow of those who wished to participate. I note what the Deputy said was the statement of the chief executive officer of the council. No such statement was made by or on behalf of the board of the council. In the current financial climate €350,000, by way of a grant to an organisation which has substantial additional funds made available to it, amounts a very substantial grant.

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