Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

While I support the amendment, there is much merit in what Senator Kett had to say on the issue. In general, I would not be one to advocate quotas. Senator Terry is suggesting that a report, if produced, should involve reviewing whether the quota system is working and identifying how it could be improved, whether it should exist in the first place and whether the quota itself should be increased. In making the report one would consider how various public bodies implement quota systems. South Dublin County Council won an award this year for the way in which it approached this issue. The report would compare this council to other public bodies and Departments.

As Senator Terry stated, the amendment does not require the Minister to increase the quota or otherwise. It simply stipulates that a report should be produced on whether it should be increased. This is a good idea.