Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I support Deputy Burton's amendment. The arguments for moving towards and accepting gender equality have been articulated in the House time and again. The Government has continuously kicked to touch, showing a sympathy with the aspiration but no willingness to take on board the concrete, practical stepsthat would facilitate such a transition. The House has an opportunity to address the matter with regard to the various bodies to which the Bill refers. The Government should grasp this opportunity to ensure that men and women make up at least 40% of the membership of any and all of the bodies in question. If it transpires that 60% of the membership of any or all of them are women, all the better.

We need to create opportunities and platforms to give people access and allow them to play their part to their full potential in the broad interest of civic society. That can best be reflected in terms of the roles envisaged for the various bodies, not only in the interest of civic society but in helping to guide Government in the broad interest of society and its needs.

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