Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I will provide for the Deputy the information, which I do not have at present.

On gender equality, Ireland increased significantly its female participation rate to more than 58% by the end of 2005. We exceeded the Lisbon Agenda target of 57% by 2005 and we are on course to reach the 60% target for female participation in the labour market by 2010. The EU average is 55.7% as at 2004.

These issues must be dealt with at national level. Given what Deputy Quinn said on the examination of league tables, as there are good and bad aspects in this regard, there would be opposition to league tables. In regard to current EU league tables, Ireland is not the villain. While we are not the best in some areas, we are the best in other circumstances. We are doing quite well in the area of female participation.

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