Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I rise to discuss the report of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, CEDAW. Before I do, however, I will express my deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the victims of the tragic fire in Clondalkin. It is a community that I was proud to get to know as mayor of South Dublin County Council. Knowing that community, it will rally around the victims' families and friends.

I celebrate, recognise and wish everyone a happy International Women's Day, which has been mentioned extensively. The CEDAW's report recognised a number of positive developments in the State in recent times, for example, the Gender Recognition Act 2015 and the ratification of a number of international treaties on the rights of children, the domestic workers' convention and the Istanbul convention. However, the UN mentioned a number of principal areas of concern and made recommendations.

The committee regretted the discriminatory provision contained in Article 41.2 of the Constitution, which perpetuates traditional, stereotypical views of the social roles and responsibilities of women and men in the family. It reads: "In particular, the State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved." The committee urged an amendment to that article as well as a repeal of the eighth amendment. On this day, I send my solidarity to all women who are out in numbers in opposition to the eighth amendment.

The report mentioned the impact of austerity measures on NGOs. Senator Conway-Walsh and I referred to this matter in our support for women's refuges during the House's recent debate on domestic violence.

I welcome the UN's call for the development and implementation of an appropriate rights-based health care protocol for intersex children that ensures that children and their parents are properly informed of all options to the greatest extent possible when they make decisions on medical interventions.

It is important that we again invite the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to the House. A debate on the positives and negatives outlined in the UN's report would be important. I hope that the Tánaiste can join us for that debate. On this International Women's Day, níl saoirse na hÉireann gan saoirse na mbán.