Dáil debates

Thursday, 31 May 2018

Maternity Protection (Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas) Bill 2018: Second Stage [Private Members]

 

6:45 pm

Photo of John BradyJohn Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for introducing this important Bill, which sends a powerful message to women across the State, including the female Members of this House, and shows an intention to try to establish some level of equality in politics. The bubble in which we operate in this House, like politics in general at national and local levels, is a cold House for women. Unfortunately, many artificial man-made barriers are put in the way of women who want to get involved in politics. It is not enough to be seen to try to remove some of those barriers - we need to actively move to remove them. This Bill is important for that reason. In this place, we often hear the mantra that we want women to get involved in politics, to run for office and to be elected, but we do not want them to get pregnant. We need to remove all of that.

I have a young family. I am blessed to live in Bray, County Wicklow, because it means that when I leave here, I can jump in a car or on the DART and be home within 30 minutes. Even though I am blessed to live so close to this place, I find it difficult to see how my wife would be able to do the job I do. I do not know how women with young families who live outside the Dublin and Wicklow areas are able to do the job they are elected to do. That is why this legislation is so important. It is a step in the right direction. Many other barriers need to be removed. Although initiatives like gender quotas are welcome, some political parties are still putting forward tokenistic candidates to meet those quotas, unfortunately. Certain political parties need to face up to this serious problem if they are sincere about creating equal opportunities for female participation in politics.

Unfortunately, the absence of maternity leave means we are presiding over discrimination. If we were to end that discrimination, which needs to end, it would send a powerful message to all the young women who want to get involved in politics. If we are sincere and genuine in the mantra coming out of here about wanting women to get involved in politics, we need to lead by example. That is why this legislation is so important. Sinn Féin will be supporting it and allowing it to move to Committee Stage. If it needs to be strengthened or amended at that point, we are willing to have that conversation. We are ready to discuss how to make this Bill as strong and powerful as it can be.

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