Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

We continue our debate today on the Lisbon reform treaty. I spoke to the Irish Countrywomens Association yesterday about the treaty and one of the questions that regularly came up concerned how the treaty might improve equality for women. My response was that the Charter of Fundamental Rights guarantees equality across gender. I am grateful to Senator O'Toole for this document because I see there that Article 157 states: "Each Member State shall ensure that the principle of equal pay for male and female workers . . . is applied."

There are many things within the treaty that will guarantee equality. However, the ICA delegates' fears are well-founded. This morning I read a report about the percentage of women professors in Ireland. The fact that only 10% of university professors in this country are women is pathetic.