Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

There is no doubt that women excel in politics, and it is not anti-man when one seeks to be pro-woman. However, the Senator used a particular phrase, which I cannot find to quote now, when she asked, in effect, when it would become illegal, immoral or illegitimate to advance Bills without incorporating the viewpoint of a proportion of women. The question of legislation embracing more than one perspective is terribly important.

There have been numerous reports. Which of the four females present has not responded to every student who has ever studied women in politics and who have asked them about the battles they have encountered? We have the reports and we know the issues. Action is needed now, not more reports. I do not know how all the difficulties will be balanced but we must start with this House and try to explain to people outside the House why women are needed in politics.