Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I support the points made by the previous speakers. These amendments are progressive. In this era, it is natural to expect that gender balance would be achieved is so far as is possible in all circumstances. As Deputy Howlin said, the 40% target leaves sufficient scope for eventualities which may arise in certain cases, whereas it might not be possible to meet the requirement in this respect if it were laid down too precisely. The Minister of State acknowledged this by virtue of introducing amendments, consequent on the previous discussion. The amendments are progressive and I support them.

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