Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)

It is good to be last and not least. It is a memorable day for politics. It is rather strange when we consider that the Bill brings together two things that may not have any commonality - the idea of having more women in politics, and the need for greater transparency, accountability and clarity on donations and how we run our business. However, when one examines them more closely they may be clearly linked.

Many of us would argue that if more women were involved in politics it would be run differently and would feel different. That is the challenge now that the legislation has been passed and that we will have quotas. The gauntlet is now clearly thrown down and it is up to women to take that up and become those people who will stand in future elections. Parties should be enthused by the prospect of encouraging other women through the gates of Leinster House to become part of this great tradition and to make contributions that women have not been able to do in the past. As I walked up the corridor today, I stopped once again to look at the portraits on the wall and found myself pinching myself to see the very few women on those portraits. As we look at the portraits of the former Taoisigh there are still no women - no woman has ever led this country. However, I hope that will change in my lifetime. The Minister and his officials have made a contribution to encouraging that to happen. We wish him a good summer break and thank him enormously for the effort he has put in. All of us - Labour women in the Gallery, the 50:50 by 2020 group and many women around the country who have worked over many years - are very happy and grateful for this day.