Ms Aoife Flynn Kennedy:

I am going to go against some of the views that have been expressed because I have worked full time for the whole time I have served. I need to work full time. I have a large family so it has not been an option. I enjoy my full-time role. It adds to the contribution I make in the chamber as I work in the housing sector. However, it has been a challenge. We talk about women in politics and getting involved in politics, but for me, one of the biggest challenges is the practical stuff. It is that, when I organise childcare to 5 p.m. and then a decision is made to extend a meeting beyond time. It is having my annual leave for the year booked by all by council meetings and then a decision is made to have a whole lot of extra council meetings. I have no problem using my annual leave and organising myself for my community because I absolutely love my community and I love this role. However, work with me and help me to be able to do that and manage those times. I have seen other female colleagues in County Wicklow who, when a meeting is deferred, have to get up and leave. They are being denied the opportunity to participate in those meetings because they have to collect their kids. They are stepping away from it. If it was a paid, full-time role, maybe I would not make the decision to work full time. That is the other argument.

In terms of independent advice, I would love that. We have had a number of occasions in Wicklow where we have had to seek legal advice, that legal advice has come from the executive and you always wonder if it is really independent. Some of my more experienced colleagues who are here today would have other examples of when that has been required. I would love that independent advice, both financially and legally. I would love independent support as well when I get threatening and abusive stuff online. I would like to be able to ask somebody how I should handle this and how I can protect myself. We have had training sessions on such issues in the chamber but it is only when it is presented to you that you really need that advice.