Averil Power (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response and welcome the fact that a number of events are taking place this year and in coming years to commemorate the work of women and organisations such as Cumann na mBan. It is important that there be more balance in public works of art. It is wrong that people walking around Dublin will see 30 statues of men and only four of women. I could give the Minister a list of women who were involved in the labour movement. I do not refer only to Countess Markievicz, who has two statues in Dublin city. I refer to the many other women who were involved in the Irish Citizen Army, the struggle for independence, the campaign for universal suffrage and numerous other issues who have not been acknowledged. There is a deficit and I had hoped we could use the opportunity presented by the centenary commemorations to redress this.

The Minister referred to a list of commemorative projects that was laid before the House. I do not know what those projects are as I did not have a chance to see the list before attending the Chamber today. I am somewhat unclear as to whether these projects will specifically commemorate the role of women and redress the imbalance that has been outlined. I ask the Minister to revisit this matter and see the statue proposed by Stuart Dunne, as much work has been completed on it and it only requires a place to be displayed in Dublin.