Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed that the recommendation on tax relief for trade union subscriptions has been ruled out of order. The ruling is unfortunate as trade unions are the only bodies which defend workers' rights across the globe.

I support the recommendation on gender and equality proofing and recognise that significant progress has been made on this front. I note the equality budgeting campaign has been wound up and is happy to hand over the reins of equality budgeting to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, which is tasked in the programme for Government with implementing equality budgeting. Sinn Féin first placed this issue on the agenda in a Private Members' motion tabled in 2013 and unfortunately rejected at the time. I echo the call made by Senator Alice-Mary Higgins to replicate the Scottish model of good practice for equality budgeting. We could learn from some of the ideas and policies being pursued in Scotland. We cannot rest on our laurels. I support the recommendation.