Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

Like Senator Bacik, as a woman I would like to see 50-50 representation straight away rather than by 2020. However, we must recognise that we must crawl before we walk and cannot run at this all guns blazing. I presume when the legislation was being drawn up cognisance was taken of the recommendation by the 2009 sub-committee on women's participation in politics, which was chaired by Senator Bacik, for 30%. That recommendation obviously had a great bearing on the decisions being made and consideration would have been taken of who held seats, where they were held, gender and so on. We must look forward. As the Minister pointed out, the legislation recommends at least 30% women candidates within the seven years. I would like to see the seven year period reduced and hope there may be a way to consider that on Report Stage. Perhaps when an election is called, we should look at that issue.

The legislation states "at least 30%", but we do not have to stick at 30%. It could be 40%. We must recognise that the legislation only provides for putting women on the ticket and does not mean that they must get that percentage of seats. As I have said before, I have not been a fan of quotas, but I realise they are inevitable and that we will not have the representation without them. As Senator van Turnhout has said, it would take years if we did not set a quota. Therefore, quotas are necessary.

I oppose the amendment. I compliment the Minister on being the first Minister to advance this. We have had many Governments and much talk about it, but he has taken up the issue and run with it. We should be thankful for small mercies, 30% is better than 0%.