Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not convinced of the necessity for this amendment and having listened to the Senators, I am even less convinced. Senator McDowell made specific reference to the higher courts. For the record, as of last week, the gender split was 50:50 in the Court of Appeal, and 55% male and 45% female in the Supreme Court. It is 57% male and 42% female in the Circuit Court, and 57% male and 43% female in the District Court. I accept that there is an absence of parity in the High Court, where the split is 70% male and 30% female. However, that does not prove Senator McDowell's point that the higher courts, as a group, are experiencing an absence of movement towards equality.

I have listened carefully to what the Senators have said. I accept the need for gender equality and for that objective to be applicable in appointments, as my record as Minister reflects. Reference was made earlier to a figure of in excess of 40 appointments. If one were to go through those, they would show a determination to ensure gender equality. Such determination is there already. I am not convinced of the necessity of the amendment. If I were to specify in the area of gender equality, I would also have to do so in respect of other mandates, such as the area of diversity.The amendment is not necessary because its intent is already expressed in the Bill.