Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Hinds for her brilliant opening statement. What is her view of women's participation in politics? Can she reflect on what is happening in both the North and South?

I was lucky enough to be studying in Queen's University Belfast when a lot of this was happening, and I did a module in women's studies so I find myself very much drawn to the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition and the role of women in community participation. When it comes to Northern society, Ms Hinds is right about the role played by civil organisations. I think of the campaign for social justice and the civil rights campaign. I completely agree with Ms Hinds that the civil forum could operate whenever politics breaks down. It could safeguard against political dysfunction while creating the momentum for solutions. It is such a pity that a civil forum was not prioritised.

What impact does Ms Hinds believe the St. Andrews Agreement has had on politics and the potential of the agreement? I ask because many people have commented on the polarisation of politics and the lack of progress due to the bolstering of the two-party system.