Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept what the Deputy is saying on the need to recognise the role of women and, in particular, Cumann na mBan. Their contribution must be recognised. I recently visited Lissadell House, and while one can see the important role played by Countess Markievicz in the events of 1916 and her subsequent election to Parliament, and the important role women played in the Rising, one also can see how they then sort of faded into the background. I note that 100 years later, the Oireachtas has passed legislation to have women make up 30% of the names on the ballot paper at the next election. While it is very important to show the role women played, I also want people to consider how they then faded away into the background, leaving us in a position today in which we must get more women involved in politics. The Deputy also mentioned the need to remember all these people. An important thing that emerged in other commemorations was the personal stories that people will tell. These stories also bring a greater understanding to the events of the time as to why people became involved and what encouraged them to take the stand they took. All of this is extremely important.

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