Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Joyce for that response. I have a question for Ms Lane of the NWCI on the issue of gender quotas. They are currently set up such that each party must have a minimum of 30% male or female candidates and that will rise to 40%. Does the NWCI have a view on the male side of those quotas? Are they needed? Men have always been over-represented in Irish politics. We have a situation now where some parties, mine for example, has a majority of female representatives. As those quotas go up that will affect parties with majority female representatives, possibly forcing them to have more male representation on the ballot paper when males have been over-represented.

Do the witnesses think the balance between males and females regarding gender quotas is needed, or what is the view in that regard?