Fiach MacConghail (Independent)

Exactly. Thank you. I look forward to the Minister's response on this because I feel a Bill should inspire and encourage and be a guidance to us, as parliamentarians and as citizens, to make our political culture better and more equal, where men and women can participate.

This is a non-binding and aspirational clause in the Bill which calls on all political parties to reach a quota. I know Niamh Gallagher from the 5050 Group which is proposing equal representation by 2020, but our amendment proposes equal representation by 2019. We are looking at encouraging political parties at a local level to fast-track this over two general elections. This amendment does not propose any sanctions in the Bill, because that cannot happen, which I learned from the Minister on Committee Stage. We are proposing that all political parties shall endeavour to reach the quota of at least 50% men and 50% women in local elections by 2019. I propose this amendment.