David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is astonishing to think that 100 years ago women did not have the vote. I find it extraordinary that we excluded more than half the population from the vote.

I pay tribute to all those brave people who fought for votes for women. I am thinking in particular of the Sheehy Skeffington family, with whom I have been friendly for many years. Many members of the family have contributed, including Francis Sheehy Skeffington, Hanna Sheehy Skeffington and Owen Sheehy Skeffington, who was a distinguished Member of this House. Today, Dr. Micheline Sheehy Skeffington in the National University of Galway is still fighting for human rights for women and complete equality. I salute them all and am honoured to be able to say these few words here today.