Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

It is a matter for the Dáil but it is also a matter for me as a woman and every other parliamentarian. I am delighted to hear others speak on the issue. The women in the House should indicate that they will not be intimidated by comments or anything else and that we are strong enough to stand up and be counted.

Women in politics is a serious issue, to which Senator Bacik referred. I was elected in 1991 and before that I was a member of the Women's Political Association. I am now a member of the 50:50 Group established in Cork last year. It is six or eight months old and new branches have opened in Dublin and Sligo. There will not be 50:50 by 2020.