Ms Michelle Gildernew:

Professor Ashe is very welcome. It is great to see her at the meeting. It has been very interesting to hear about the experiences and the importance of good consultation. I am sure Professor Ashe, having worked on transitional justice issues, has witnessed the negative impact that unequal representation in state institutions has had on women, including those dealing with the police, courts and associated systems. These institutions, despite equal-opportunities legislation and affirmative-action measures, are mostly male dominated. With that in mind, could Professor Ashe identify how, within a new constitution, the rights of women in the sense of full and equal participation and representation in all aspects of state institutions and governance could be guaranteed?

I recognise the difficulty some women have regarding the democratic deficit. Women from working-class loyalist communities are among them. I agree with Deputy Tully that women with disabilities are particularly marginalised. If we planned all our infrastructure, including our transport system, schools and hospitals, based on the needs of people with disabilities all the time, it would be better for everyone. I thank Professor Ashe. I hope she is able to answer my questions.