Mr. Paul Maskey:

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I also thank Dr. McEvoy and Professor Todd for this very important work. Going through the document and the report they produced sets out clearly their hard work and commitment to get the outcomes they did. It is not an easy piece of work with all this engagement but it is very important. I commend them on this work. My party, Sinn Féin, set out a commission over the past year to do people's assemblies across Ireland. I think we have done ten at this point. The first was in Belfast in the Belfast Waterfront Hall in October of last year, I think. I was involved in the organisation of that event. I think there were more than 300 people at that meeting. When you bring a large number of people together, sometimes it is hard to get someone to say something in front a big audience like that. That evening, it was very easy because many people put their hands up and we extended our time. It brought people together from a wide range of backgrounds. There were educators, academics, health workers, sports enthusiasts, people representing disability groups, trade unions and people representing the business community. It was very important. A report was produced on that evening in Belfast and on the nine others across the island. It is important work. The witnesses met at least two organisations in my constituency of Belfast West, the Falls Women's Centre and the Shankill Women's Centre. I commend them on doing that. I have no doubt they had a lot of good answers and truthful and frank conversations with the two organisations. They are first class in the job they do not only for women's rights but also in making sure our communities are a lot better and progressive. They are very progressive organisations doing great work. I am delighted that the witnesses met them for their report.

The gender issue has been touched on. Are there obstacles that impact on women participating in some of this conversation in greater detail? Do they feel ownership? Are there blockages or hurdles faced especially by the women's sector at this time?

I ask Professor Todd to elaborate on that point, please.