Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Today we celebrate International Women's Day. No disrespect to the Minister of State but throughout the debate there has been a gentleman on the Government side instead of a lady. It would have been more appropriate that a female Minister was here, no disrespect to the Minister of State.

International Women's Day gives us all a chance to recognise the extraordinary contribution of women in Ireland and throughout the world. We should all be proud of the extraordinary achievements of women. Many women who are by our side have made great sacrifices while also achieving so much. We all know inspirational women who impact on all our lives. Unfortunately, despite this we all know there is a long way to go before women achieve equality in our society, whether in the workplace or in the community. It is important to recognise we would still not know about the tragic circumstances that have faced many families in this country if it were not for the bravery of women. Many of doctors, nurses, clinicians and HSE staff are women who have been willing to put their jobs on the line so we can learn the truth about mismanagement of the entire public health care system in the country. This is what I call pure leadership. Our broken politics are failing all women and individual families. Our broken health system is also failing women and families.

We need to remember our female sporting heroes. One of my favourite heroes is Katie Taylor. She is a true champion boxer. There is no one better in the world at her level. She is a woman who can keep her head, her religion and her beliefs and be the greatest in the world at her sport. I wish all women the best on this day.

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