Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Penrose, here this afternoon.

Having been first elected as a political activist to the Fianna Fáil National Executive by all of Fianna Fáil in Dublin across the then 11 constituencies, I believe that Irish women must be firing on all cylinders and have a passion for it. That is what it is about, having the passion to feel part of what is happening in one's country. I was frustrated until I got involved politically and I felt I could participate. I looked at everything much more rosily because I was participating.

In schools, we need to encourage women to believe that they should be there equally with the men. It will not be a true republic until there is an equal number of men and women in the Parliament.

I draw attention to a survey, "Power to the People? Assessing Democracy in Ireland", in 2007. Of the 14 European countries surveyed, a councillor represents 2,500 people in Ireland, only 118 people in France, 256 in Germany and 350 in Sweden. Contrary to conventional wisdom that we must reduce the numbers, just as Senator Mac Congaile and Professor David Farrell of We the Citizens group say, it is about participation and boring down into the communities and getting people more involved. I am sure nobody in this Chamber is aware that in Ireland 2,500 people are looked after by each councillor whereas in France, 118 people are, and in Sweden and Germany, 256 and 350, respectively, are. Sweden is supposed to be the model democracy and here we are attempting to cut back on the number of politicians.

The We the Citizens group wants people to be asked for their views on the issues. I totally agree with that vision and philosophy. What if we had a much depleted democracy ? It is a very poor democracy, really. If there were more opportunities, more women would get involved at community level. Women are driving the child care facilities as board members, and the volunteer groups. They are very active in communities. It is all down to the leaders of the parties calling for more women to be involved.

Leitrim is the least populated county in the country. No doubt it has very bad land, but its people are the most charming in Ireland as far as I am concerned.