Ms Eilís Ní Chaithnía:

The big issue that needs to be re-emphasised when it comes to these processes is that they need to be considered for the long term and they should be approached on a multi-annual basis. Part of the learning from Scotland was that equality budget statements initially referenced what had been achieved in the previous year by the budget but the Scottish administrators are moving to look forward over multiple years and not just backwards and to set longer-term indicators and broad, ambitious goals. They are useful for Departments. The Government and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have decided to attach these to performance budgeting. That is sensible in some ways, in particular, because of the emphasis on accountability, transparency, etc., and on multi-annual planning, and, therefore, it should fit well into that. However, those expecting change will have to expect it over the medium term at least. Last week, Mr. Beausang also referred to the fact that some jurisdictions have suggested that they have not experienced major change yet but gender budgeting has only been practised over the past ten years or so. Even the UK now, in referring to the introduction of the public sector duty, recommends that there needs to be eight years worth of implementation for people to be able to get their heads around it and work more naturally in that way. We have to make sure that we give this time. It will also take commitment that will go far past this Government. There will need to be a political commitment within the Houses as well as within Government to make that happen.