Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on gender equality are a stark reminder of how far we still have to go to ensure gender equality in this country. It is clear from these recommendations that we will never have a gender equal society until big, institutional changes are made. That is the simple fact. If this Government is as serious about gender equality as it says it is, it would consider making those changes. The people do not need another photo opportunity or another tweet saying "We support a gender equal society". They need real commitment to change and delivery of it. It might surprise the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, to hear this but he has the power actually to do something more substantial than just typing a hashtag or showing up for a photo. Following on from his very brief interaction with the children protesting about mica outside the gates of Leinster House today, he may have proved today that nothing is more important than a photo opportunity.

See this speech in context