Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

As a practising politician of long standing, I can assure Members this will not be an easy target to achieve, even if it is supported by legislation. There are various reasons which prevent the participation of women in politics, which do not apply to men. In the Bill we have adopted an ambitious but also a pragmatic approach to double the level of female participation. We must phrase it in such a way that women will make up at least 30% of candidates. Political parties are very conscious of the fact that if they do not address this issue, they will lose the opportunity to gain support and there is nothing that concentrates the minds of political parties and their candidates more than receiving enhanced popular support by ensuring a balanced gender ticket. If we do not incorporate this provision in legislation, we will have the same opportunities described by Senator Cáit Keane in filling in the ballot paper. With the forthcoming local elections due to take place in 2014, I imagine all political parties will be mindful of the fact that they will be heading into a general election in 2016 in which at least 30% of candidates will have to be women. It is deemed this will be be difficult, which is the reason we are introducing this provision. The local elections will provide the opportunity for political parties to address the issue.

Some 85% of candidates elected to the Dáil have come through the local elections process. It would be very foolhardy of any political party to ignore this fact, or not to make plans to ensure the provision that 30% of candidates be female will be adhered to. In starting with a figure of 40% we would be setting the bar too high, as the last thing anybody wants to do is fail. One would exert pressure on the system, but we would end up with tokenism. If people come through the local elections system, they get a flavour of what is involved in politics and whether it would suit them. That applies equally to male and female candidates.

I am not going to change the stance I have taken on the basis that I am seeking to double the level of participation by women in politics in the next general election. As it is linked with the funding of the political process through the votes cast in the general election, there will be a penalty for not doing so. Some political parties may get around this provision by stating they will pay the penalty and will be happy to have their funding reduced by 50%, but I do not think political parties will be inclined to take this option. However, some might wish to do so.

I hope the spirit of what we are trying to achieve in an ambitious way is accepted. I am delighted that Senator Jillian van Turnhout who talked about sunset clauses in order to ensure female representation and was against quotas during the Second Stage debate now wants to enhance the provision in order that there will be a ratio of 50:50. I am delighted that we have converted her.