Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like some who have already spoken and, I have no doubt, others who are going to speak, I acknowledge that today is International Women's Day. We men have a role to play in trying to achieve the type of equality that women deserve. I am talking about real equality in sport, culture, arts, business, education and politics. The inequality women have experienced over many decades has largely been a result of the negligence of men. Therefore, the men in our society must step up to the plate now to embrace, promote and demand the type of equality we have ourselves and that we should want to see for women in this society.

One of the great women of these Houses was a lady named Brigid Hogan-O'Higgins. She will be celebrating her 90th birthday next Thursday. She was elected as a female Deputy at the age of 24 in 1957. She is the only surviving Member of the Sixteenth Dáil or, indeed, any of the preceding Dáileanna. On International Women's Day, it is fitting to pay tribute to Brigid Hogan-O'Higgins, who charted a crusade in 1957 when it was not popular or easy to get elected to Dáil Éireann.

Like other colleagues, I wish to speak again about Ukraine. Like others, I was at the embassy today where we listened to a number of Ukrainian people. The Leas-Chathaoirleach was also there. Heart-wrenching stories about young children going hungry in Ukraine were shared with us by the Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland, a very brave and courageous lady. We need to do everything we can. I do not believe we are doing enough as a country and I do not believe the international community is doing enough.I do not believe the sanctions that are place now are working. We need stronger sanctions. We need sanctions like we have never seen before in this world because what is happening in our modern age and society is appalling. It cannot be said or expressed often enough. The graphic images, descriptions, photographs, video footage, and social media postings of what has been happening in Ukraine, on International Women's Day and during the past two weeks, and no doubt they will continue going forward, are dreadful. We are not doing enough and we need to do more.