Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I agree with the points raised about amending the Intoxicating Liquor Act in order to bring it into line with today's thinking. Of course we must be aware of Good Friday. As someone who grew up with the values of Good Friday, I feel it is possible to accommodate both points of view, maintaining the values of Good Friday while allowing pubs to open for large events such as the planned rugby match, as well as hotels in the area. I echo the points raised in this regard.

Also mentioned was the issue of women's participation in politics. I agree that we should have had that discussion before. Ideally, we should have it this week, but I realise it will not be possible to snap our fingers and get the Minister in at short notice to have it today. I listened to a radio discussion the other day on the points raised and, while I may not be agreeable to the list system or the quota system, having jumped many hurdles on my own and never got a leg up in any sense of the word-----