Mary White (Fianna Fail)

Last week, I spoke at a women in business conference in the midlands which was encouraging women to start up their own businesses. I took poetic licence to speak on the issue of the Lisbon treaty and reminded them — many of whom were quite young and under 40 years of age — that prior to our joining the EU women in the private and public sectors had to give up their jobs when they got married. Following an appeal to them for a "Yes" vote on the Lisbon treaty I received a great round of applause.

The Leader stated earlier that Committee Stage of the Broadcasting Bill 2008 has been postponed until 18 June. This is the forth time arrangements have been made for a discussion on issues affecting older people. The programme for Government is committed to giving people choice in regard to the age at which they retire. It is a denial of the human rights of older people in the private and public sector that they must retire from their jobs at aged 65 years. It is urgent we have a debate on older people.

Women were denied their human rights when they had to give up their jobs following marriage. The Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with special responsibility for older people, Deputy Máire Hoctor, is willing and able to participate in such a debate. Yesterday, I spoke to Deputy Barry Andrews, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform with special responsibility for children. He is looking forward to coming to the House to discuss children's issues. I want to know what the Government proposes to do in respect of child care subventions and other proposals currently on the table. Older people and children are the least looked after in our society. Their human rights are being denied.

In my experience, young women are worn out trying to work and take care of their children. A Bill in respect of flexible working time drawn up by me was not pushed through despite it being accepted at the partnership meetings. The reason for this is that not enough women sit at the Cabinet table; it is dominated by men. With all due respect, this is a man's club.