Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I largely commend Senator White on her remarks. I was a Member of the previous Seanad and one of the most disappointing features on this side of the House was the utter decimation of the female representation in the recent election. Most female Members of the previous Seanad came from the largest Opposition party, Fine Gael, and many of them, who are fine individuals, lost out and did not return.

The point raised by Senator White is one into which I have put a considerable amount of thought. In the event of vacancies being created by the abolition of the dual mandate in the coming months, it would be worth observing whether female members of the Oireachtas will be replaced by female councillors. It would also be worth keeping a head count of how many female councillors are lost or, I hope, how many additional female councillors are elected. I appeal to all parties to take that into account.