Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Many countries have a number of museums devoted to women and various elements of their lives. The National Museum of Ireland has been hopeless on the subject of women. It has a small exhibition in Collins Barracks on Eileen Gray from Wexford who was probably the most famous designer in the early 20th century. In the south of France she built one of the most outstanding houses of early 20th century design. She is world famous. There is a full museum dedicated to her, although small and specialist. I am asking the Minister with responsibility for culture to think outside the box. For the 1916 Rising commemoration, the National Gallery of Ireland put on a very small exhibition in a room on the third or fourth floor dedicated to Constance Markievicz.

I am talking about full recognition of the role of women and their contribution to Irish and international history. The Minister should seize the opportunity to promote what women have done in Irish history.

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