Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As north Kildare's only female TD, I am delighted to speak on International Women's Day as a member of Sinn Féin, a party that champions women and holds them to the same standard and regard as our male colleagues. We do not expect to be treated differently - just the same, thanks.

I have always said that a woman's place is in the revolution, be that here sa bhaile, sa Phalaistín nó fud fad na cruinne. From Constance Markievicz to Mairéad Farrell, whose anniversary it is today - suaimhneas síoraí di - tá mná i stair na hÉireann tar éis spreagadh mór a thabhairt dom. Is trua é nach bhfuil an oiread sin ban le feiceáil sa Teach seo.

This Dáil has the lowest proportion of female parliamentarians in western Europe, and it really is embarrassing. Some 25% of TDs are women, compared with the 37% average across Europe. Sinn Féin, however, stands as the only large party that runs women in winnable seats and nearly 40% of our TDs are women.

Most women do not like the gender quota. We know that we have got here on merit, and I certainly would not vote for a woman from a centrist or right-wing party, but quotas are very much necessary in this State. Sinn Féin managed to achieve 50-50 representation in the North without any gender quota legislation, so when there is a will, there is a way.

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