Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I also expect that the new provisions of the Bill will provide the necessary catalyst for improvements at local elections. Practical experience suggests that if a target is set, with a number of years to achieve it, incremental moves will be made along the way in order to achieve the objective. In this case, there will be a legally binding provision on political parties. There is nothing like money and a financial penalty to concentrate the mind.

Some in the House, and elsewhere, believe the Bill goes too far. I respect those opinions. No matter what one does one will please some people and not others. I hope we have hit a balance and that we point the way forward nonetheless. The 30% quota will apply in the 2016 general election. After that, we will make incremental moves to enhance the figure to 40%. I am mindful of what Senator Bacik said earlier and we will look at that when we debate the Bill in the Dáil.

The Bill balances our legal and constitutional responsibilities against a clear need and desire to bring about significant change. If some people do not agree with the Bill I hope they will realise that we are making a genuine effort to ensure that we have at least 30% female and male representation in the next Oireachtas. The Bill gives people the opportunity to participate. It is then up to the people to decide whether or not they want to have at least 30% of both genders in the House. With this measure, we have gone a fair step of the way in making an important development in political reform.

The technical matters I referred to earlier deprive me of the opportunity to support the Senator's amendment.