Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I discussed this matter at our previous private meeting. I think we are all very aware that we have really bad gender balance on this committee, which has no female member. I know it is something in respect of which we have a common goal and want to rectify. If we are serious about gender balance, we need to ensure there is some percentage of females on the committee. I speak for everybody and I know the Chairman is aware of it. It is something this committee must address. If it came to it, I would be more than prepared to step aside for somebody from my own party to come forward, even though I love this committee. However, we might not have to do that. We need to address the lack of gender balance on this committee. We cannot stand up the Seanad, Dáil or committees and talk about gender balance and have committees that do not have any female representation.