Ms Catherine Lane:

An average can hide many disparities still existing across several local authority areas. In developing that extension of quotas, legislation in respect of the Electoral Acts will be required to introduce the candidate selection quota for local elections. Again, the research function of the electoral commission has potential. Not much research exists concerning the experience of women at local government level and we must learn and understand more about that aspect and the barriers to women's participation. We could definitely build in geographical targets to address the existing imbalances in many rural constituencies, as well as in some urban constituencies.

Some members of the committee may be aware that Longford Women's Link and 50:50 North West are delivering an innovative programme called 'See Her Elected', which is targeted at rural constituencies. It is part of the voter education and participation programmes, many running with different groups, but this is really about demystifying politics for women and engaging women who may be active in community organisations at local level. We need to try to create a greater understanding of what local government does, how important it is and how close it is to women's lives. Mr. Joyce mentioned the abolition of town councils in 2014. We agree that was a move that may not have been considered properly, because it was the closest level of representation. I also refer to the impact that abolition had on the representation of women and other minority groups. It was a step back in trying to build more opportunities for women and other minority groups to get involved in local government and decision-making at local level.