Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like first to make one or two comments, which should not amount to a speech, and to then ask a couple of questions.

Social entrepreneurship and the whole concept of thinking outside the box is the reason it does not fit inside the box of civil servants and all that they are about. The duplication of function is also an issue because there is a danger that one or two organisations would be gotten rid of. Let us be honest; that is what this about.

I have a specific question in regard to procurement. I am currently involved in research of Departments' support of local business in terms of their purchase of Irish produce and services versus import of produce and services. I am trying to get around the EU laws around procurement and look at this from a social conscience aspect. I would welcome comment by the delegates on that matter.

Ms Gallagher referred to succession planning for women in politics. Did she mean that women as politicians are less likely to think of succession planning? I am also interested in the delegates' responses to Senator Healy Eames' questions. The delegates will be aware of the discussion last weekend at the constitutional convention around tokenism. There is a danger of quotas and so on leading to tokenism. It has already been said to me that I will definitely be a candidate in the next general election, not because I might be a good candidate but because more women are needed in politics. I am interested in the delegates' comment on that matter.