Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

I take that as a great compliment. Perhaps the Minister, the leader of the Labour Party group and my Fine Gael colleagues would consider a 50:50 quota in the Seanad. If provision is made for such a quota in the legislation, any subsequent referendum will take care of all those issues, whether the people decide for or against it. However, it would be a step in the right direction given that we know the difficulties, which have been outlined, when it comes to Dáil elections. We have failed abysmally for reasons too numerous to mention. That is simply not good enough whereas other countries, such as Scandinavia, have managed to increase the quota. I realise we are talking about sunset clauses but a step in the right direction would be in respect of this House.

The funding issue was mentioned but I will not elaborate on that. However, I welcome the provision for gender quotas. It is a step in the right direction and has to be done because we have continually failed in the political process. It is modern day gladiators when it comes to politics and conventions. The system will ensure that great people can be blocked out and it is very hard, as one of the Acting Chairman's colleagues said recently - I assume I should take it as an insult as should all males but we will take it in the spirit it was intended - she wanted to see the day when Leinster House would elect mediocre women.