Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I support the Minister of State's remarks regarding Cork. If he intends to make the Dáil more family-friendly for Cork Deputies by moving the premises to Cork, I will be happy to support any such initiative to that effect. I thank Deputies Rabbitte and Smyth for giving us an opportunity to speak on this Bill and on this topic. We will be happy to support the passage of this Bill. We can discuss it further on Committee Stage when we are teasing out some of the detail.

We often hear the criticism that the Dáil is an old boys' club that does not properly reflect the realities of Irish society. While that has improved, there is still a great distance to travel. Politics, and consequently the Oireachtas, is at its best when it is representative of society as a whole. It should be representative of men and women of various classes and backgrounds. The representation of new Irish communities is an issue that certainly needs to be addressed in this institution. Despite the advances that have been made, significant disparities remain in the representation of men and women in this institution. Progress has been made in recent years on foot of the introduction of gender quotas. We are realising some of the benefits of this positive step. I think some of the changes to procedure in recent years have improved things as well. Other obstacles continue to exist. As Deputy O'Reilly has said, one of the simplest things that could be done in this institution would be to ensure proper childcare provision is made. I suppose that applies to all Deputies who have families. It would certainly remove an obstacle for many female Deputies.

It is important for us to send a message that we are serious about trying to change the workings of the Dáil. We need to ensure that in the future, there are no obstacles to greater female participation in the Dáil, especially among younger women. Our ultimate goal must be to seek to achieve a ratio of 50:50 or so, if that is what the electorate decides in future elections. There are difficulties and details that need to be ironed out. For example, an arrangement that is family-friendly for a Dublin Deputy might cause difficulties for a Deputy from west Mayo, west Donegal or west Cork. It is worth considering the question of leave in this context. It would also be worthwhile to explore the whole area of paternity leave. It should be considered as well, perhaps in a different way. Although issues with pairings could potentially arise, I do not think they are insurmountable. If the Oireachtas were to provide for this, it would send a very strong signal.

I acknowledge the leadership being shown by Deputies Rabbitte and Smyth, who have introduced legislation in this area previously. As I mentioned during that debate, my colleague, Councillor Danielle Twomey, who is from the Minister of State's parish, has raised this issue at Cork County Council level. When she was about to have a child as a sitting councillor, no provision was made for her to take maternity leave. I believe the council did its best to try to work with her. I know that is the case in many local authorities. I would like to acknowledge the initiative shown by Councillor Twomey and by the Deputies who have introduced this Bill, which sends an important message and would have important practical benefits. There are issues and details to be teased out, but they are surmountable and agreement can be reached on them.

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