Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

I note the point. I presume that if mediocre women are nominated that mediocre women would get elected to the Houses in the same way that she hinted that mediocre men are nominated and elected all the time. I do not think that remark was addressed to the Acting Chairman, or any of the males in this Chamber. However, I ask the Minister to look specifically at the Seanad where political parties would have a 50:50 quota in any election. I am speaking against myself and the Chair's best interest on this issue but in light of the facts, which are obvious in my party, it is difficult given that policy will follow the money. If the money is provided only if 50% of the party's candidates in the Seanad are women, that will happen. Aspirations, guidelines and hopes are no good as they do not bring about the required results. Irrespective of the Minister's views of this House, I ask him to include a provision for what is required, otherwise he may get a bloody nose in any Seanad referendum, by which time the legislation would have passed and the opportunity to provide for the quota for political parties in Seanad elections would be lost.