Mary White (Fianna Fail)
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I thank my colleagues. I knew Senator Quinn would be very impressed, particularly with the venture capitalist ladies, because of the field he is in now, considering all the opportunities he gave to people such as Ms Twomey and ourselves at Lir Chocolates. The cross-party document that we are producing aims to encourage more women entrepreneurs. Our mantra will be that we are not utilising half the population - we are failing to utilise the attributes of women. Our committee is driving for opportunities for women to participate more. It was in the Action Plan for Jobs. The Minister felt it was an area we should deal with as a committee.

I would like to predict that Ms McCarthy will be the future chief executive of Bord Bia. I met her first when I was honoured to be on the board of Bord Bia. Tara made her presentation of the work she was doing in France, and I instantly said to myself, "This is four star general if ever there was one." She has risen to the top now and it is my great pleasure to congratulate her. My friend Ms Maeve Bracken was telling me this morning how Ms Twomey was on a stand promoting her products - I hope she does not mind me saying so - and she went behind the stand to feed the baby as well, so fair dues to her. Her pudding is just a favourite with everybody; it is tremendous. I knew her husband myself and am very sorry that he died. They were a great partnership and Ms Twomey is a wonderful woman.

What Ms Bentley was saying about the languages is important. The three ladies from Kernel Capital are something else, and their presentations were outstanding. People are not aware of the leadership of women in the venture capital area. We need women in business and women entrepreneurs and we have it here today. Hopefully, under the chairmanship of Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, we will do a good document. I thank the witnesses. It was pure brilliant, actually.