Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Senator Lombard was correct in raising the point about the significant burden on our communities and volunteers who are, for the first time in three years, getting ready for St. Patrick's Day events. Insurance should be affordable. We will refer this to the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, and try to get some type of response.

Senator Sherlock raised the issue of an interview on "Morning Ireland" with the Leader.I did not hear the interview so I will not comment on it, although I will make a few points. Senator Seery Kearney spoke and was supported by Senator Carrigy in rejecting the comments made. Senator Sherlock indicated the possibility that the Leader of the House was suggesting that independent funding should be dependent on supporting those in the Government. From what I have heard from Senator Seery Kearney, it seems that was not the case or what the Senator referred to.

The National Women's Council of Ireland is an independent body and, as Senator Sherlock has said, it has done excellent work on social change in this country. We completely acknowledge that. It should be independent. Government funding has never been contingent on support for the Government, no matter which party is in government, and it should not be. The issue, however, is about balance. If political representatives and women of different parties are to be involved with the event, all parties should be included. This is to make the point that all women are working together in this House and the Dáil in trying to make our country a better place for women. We are doing that day in and day out.

I articulated my concern about this yesterday on the radio. My concern is that the message being given to the women of this country is that women elected for Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael or the Green Party do not have a voice representing women. Whether the National Women's Council of Ireland intends it or not, it is unfortunately the message being given. It is a message being given to women and men voting for these parties or no party. Everybody's voice matters, so the event should either give a platform or rallying point for all parties and those elected with no party affiliation or else it should have no female public representatives. It could instead have people representing other organisations. This is a question of balance and diversity, and that must be stated.