Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank everyone for their warm comments. A number of female councillors from all parties and none were involved at the very core of this process. Groups like Women for Election, See Her Elected and the Women's Council of Ireland have all been involved in trying to frame this legislation and assist me going through the process. Laura Mannion from the Department was central in working with many of the groups and getting these proposals together. I thank everyone. I say to Deputy Matthews that in consultation with CCMA and stakeholders we will issue guidance in that regard. We have no issue with it. The regulations will be signed pretty quickly. The draft regulations have been sent to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for review. I imagine we should be ready to sign them in the next week or two.

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