Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

For the first time in the history of the State a bridge over the Liffey was named after a woman, a member of Cumann na mBan. Considering Dublin is quite an old city, that in itself is a disgrace. I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to include our motion that the Government name previously unnamed roads, buildings and parks after Cumann na mBan and its members. I ask Members on both sides of the House to consider how many public buildings, parks and roads are named after women. They would be very hard-pressed to name five. Equality eludes us still. Given that the Deputy Leader would support it, perhaps she would press for what has happened in other counties, including in Carrick-on-Suir and Carrick-on-Shannon, where, following motions from this party, it has been proposed that public parks and housing infrastructure be named after Cumann na mBan. That is happening in Cork and Kerry, where the President's wife will open a park in honour of Cumann na mBan.

I also call for a debate on emigration and employment. A report by UCC shows that up to 60% of those who emigrate are leaving employment. When the Government claims it is creating jobs, the reality is that emigration is creating jobs, because 60% of those leaving are leaving jobs and those jobs are being filled by others. Thus, it is not a recovery; it is just a recovery by emigration.