Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On what is International Women's Day, I will take the opportunity to acknowledge the important work of the all-island women's forum and the women from across Ireland's diverse communities who have participated so generously in that work. We support the forum's ambition to be a catalyst for change in seeking substantial reform that will enable women to take our rightful place as leaders in our society. As legislators and leaders in our communities, we have the responsibility not only to work with the forum and other organisations committed to gender equality and inclusion, but to deliver on the reforms already committed to and, by so doing, create pathways for all women to be their own agents of change.

There is much left to be delivered on within the forum's family-friendly and inclusive Parliament report. I commend the Ceann Comhairle on his work in pushing out the report's recommendations. Full delivery will make a powerful difference to all women working in this institution and to those outside who are considering a future role in the public service.

I wish to raise the delay in publishing legislation to provide maternity leave for Members of the Oireachtas. This provision was to be in included in the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, but the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, has instead decided to introduce stand-alone legislation. Will the Taoiseach confirm when that legislation's draft heads will be introduced?

I welcome the Government's decision to hold a referendum this year on gender equality. The invaluable contribution of the citizens' assembly and our colleagues on the Joint Committee on Gender Equality to this outcome must be fully acknowledged. Guím Lá Idirnáisiúnta na mBan faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.

See this speech in context