Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Colleagues have already covered the main issues in regard to the credit unions. It is important to reiterate, however, that savings up to €100,000 are guaranteed. I received a telephone call from a person who was concerned about the security of savings. It is important that people are aware of the threshold.

Will the Leader facilitate a debate on public rights of way? The outcome of the court case concerning Lissadell House suggests the goalposts have moved in this regard.

I support Senator Catherine Noone's call for action on the issue of participation by women in politics, a matter that has been debated several times in this House. There are courses one can take on women in politics, women in business, women in this, that and the other, but it all comes down to who is minding the baby. We must facilitate men to take a greater role in child care responsibilities through the provision of paid paternity leave and other means. I take the opportunity to compliment Senator Mary White on her efforts in this regard. Until such time as we have equality in terms of the participative input of males in child rearing, nearly all women in politics will have a choice to make. That choice is already being made. We must have a comprehensive debate on child care and the range of child allowances and benefits available. It is only when we have a more level playing field that we will see fewer women leaving politics. Three young female members of my own party have left in recent times, although I cannot say the reason in each case was child care responsibilities. My youngest child was nine years old when I began my career in politics and I was only able to do it because my husband was a teacher. Many people have to wait until their children start school before they can become involved. We cannot have a debate about women in politics without discussing child care issues.