Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

The Central Statistics Office has published a report entitled The Women and Men Study 2006 the findings of which are interesting if not very surprising. Once again, it highlights the fact that women lag behind their male counterparts in terms of their representation at regional and national level, namely, in county councils, the Dáil and Seanad, and generally in securing senior positions in the Civil Service, for example. The article throws light on other areas, for example, that women's pay is only two thirds of that of men and, although many women work as primary teachers, only 51% of them secure posts as school principals.

It would be interesting to debate this report in the new year in order to highlight the deficiencies in our system in terms of ensuring equality in all areas. There is a deficit in terms of the number of women breaking through the glass ceiling. We need to explore further how we can counteract this and encourage more women to enter politics and at least to get on an even footing with men in terms of securing senior positions in the Civil Service. I would appreciate if such a debate could be organised.