Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms McCrory and Ms Weir. I cannot thank them enough for coming before the committee today. It is so powerful. I am a bit disappointed we do not have as many members from the committee present today. I know there are elections on both sides of the Border and everyone is out campaigning but we need to send out the witnesses' statements to all of the members so they can hear what they have said because this relates the core work of the committee. What they outlined today is really the work this committee should be doing. To listen to what the witnesses are saying and to listen to their expertise is inspirational. It is vital we hear from them about what a good life and society means to their communities and what they want for themselves as communities. It is so important and I am so glad this committee is hearing from women like the witnesses who are an inspiration and who are rooted in their communities connecting with people every single day. This is what we need to continue to do. I look forward to visiting both of them when the committee takes that trip. Hopefully I am able to go at that time.

They said a lot. I listened to the opening statements online and heard what they had to say. As I said, they are an inspiration. Ms Weir's mentioned the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition. It has been touched upon that political parties have traditionally been very male dominated and how that has impacted the gender dynamics of the peace process. We now see two women running the North. There are two women now in place. Can Ms Weir speak a bit more about her view of women's political participation in the North? I would like to hear more about that. What does she think has changed, if anything, and what problems remain? Obviously, she has mentioned a good few of those problems this morning, particularly the bill of rights, which I will come back to in a few minutes. How does she think more women can be encouraged to get involved in these conversations about the Bill of rights and about all the things she spoke about today such as constitutional future, health and education and so forth?

How could we bring more women on board with all that?