Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

On a day when the Sub-Committee on Women's Participation in Politics is meeting to consider ways to increase female involvement in parliamentary activities, I share Senator de Búrca's concerns about the areas from which women continue to be excluded. While I cannot beat the judges' knowledge of the law, at a time when we are trying to drive equality, I fail to understand how a golf club has been able to argue successfully that women are not equal to men in accessing membership. This issue which dates back to when I chaired the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is an ongoing battle.

Yesterday another family suffered violence at the hands of people with guns. It is irrelevant whether a weapon is brandished or discharged over someone's head. In a couple of weeks we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Children should have the right to grow up without having their home invaded by people carrying guns. The House should discuss human rights, including the rights of children. I note from my work on the Council of Europe that young people are seeking a convention on the rights of youth. We must ask why human rights conventions, including on the rights of the child, have failed and various sections of the population consider it necessary to have a separate convention to affirm their rights. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on this issue.

I also request a debate on my report on history teaching in areas of recent conflict. It is a basic right to know each other and have a full picture of activities taking place.