Dr. Maura Farrell:

We have thought about this a lot. Mrs. Weir referenced the idea, which comes from a really good sports analogy a number of years ago, that if you can see it, you can be it. It is the same with agriculture. We need to recognise that the agricultural industry is a huge industry that is not just related to farming. It is about opening up the education system to show young girls in schools that the agricultural industry is one in which they can have successful employment. It is not just about seeing women within the farming industry itself but also within the Department of agriculture and the industry of agriculture, including the machining industry and all the industries that are related and connected to agriculture. That is hugely important. There is a whole industry in agriculture that we really should open up to young women and girls. Doing that will change the narrative and will allow young girls and women to see, as with science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, education, that this is a space for them. That is very important.

Regarding quotas, it is disappointing that there is no woman among the membership of this committee. What does that say to young girls? It says that this is a very male-dominated industry and space. That is disappointing. If girls and women do not see themselves represented within this space, they do not see something for which they can strive. It is a starting point to ensuring women are represented. One of the opening speakers noted that there are a number of women in the Dáil who are from rural backgrounds. We know them and I am sure they would be only too willing to sit on this committee if they were in some way enticed to do so. They can be a voice and a representative for the women within the agricultural industry and the farming industry.