Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Ryan's comments. In a sense this amendment highlights the disappointing lack of progress on broad issues of equality. It should not be necessary to prescribe quotas, but appointments across a range of boards and bodies indicate that women are not receiving a fair allocation of such jobs. This type of amendment should be considered and enacted as an interim measure and to set down a marker. If we seek to create a fair and equal society women must play a full part. We celebrated 1916 in a formal fashion some weeks ago and we cannot avoid the fact that the State had founding mothers and founding fathers. We must ensure the role of women is fully recognised and Senator Ryan's proposed amendment to this Bill is reasonable and fair. I look forward to the Minister of State's response because it will be difficult to justify ruling out this amendment and to do so would almost rule in discrimination.