Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I wish to speak on amendments Nos. 5 and 6 as they are the same, as Deputy McManus says. These amendments have been presented for consideration by this Minister and other Ministers across a number of portfolios where appointments will be made to specific bodies, councils and so on. Gender equality is the objective. We have dealt with recent legislation where this matter was addressed and we have yet to see a response that gives confidence that this Government will ensure we will have at least a 40% representation of both genders in State bodies, however the remaining 20% balance is distributed between the two. It is very important that we endeavour to achieve these goals and I hope the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, in one of the last pieces of legislation she is likely to address substantively here in the House, will accede to Deputy McManus's appeal.

See this speech in context