Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have a chance to address Senator Victor Boyhan on the important issue raised today around increasing the participation of women and diversity in local government. It is essential and I am delighted to be able to respond on behalf of Minister of State, Deputy Burke, who successfully brought his proposal through Cabinet yesterday in relation to maternity leave, which should have been there for many years. I am glad he has achieved that now.It will again assist with the participation of women and people from diverse backgrounds in local government, and rightly so.

I fully agree with the Senator that this is a really important conversation we need to have more often. We need to promote the work that is being done in this regard, as well as the notion of people of all ages entering politics. Very often when we talk about new candidates, it is assumed they are young candidates but that is not necessarily the case. New candidates of all ages and all backgrounds are essential in the system and we also need to protect those who are already there and who are giving great service. I came into politics quite young myself, firmly of the belief that every generation should have a voice and be represented, whether at local or national level. There certainly should not be any ageist comments, against either older or younger people. A blend of people from all backgrounds and all age groups should come into politics.

I thank Senator Boyhan for raising the issue of increasing the participation of women and people of diversity in local government. I fully recognise the low rate of female participation in local government and addressing this issue has been a policy priority of the Government since its formation. A range of initiatives have been undertaken that are aimed at improving the gender and diversity balance of councils while, at the same time, working to make the role of councillor more sustainable for all and more attractive given, as we all recognise, it is a very busy but very important role, whether the person is a member of a party or is an Independent. They are all equally important and equally beneficial to their local community.

On the specific issue of funding to local authorities, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has issued annual calls for funding since 2019, requesting local authorities to submit appropriate proposals for projects to address the under-representation of women and people of diversity in local government structures and decision-making. While it is fully appreciated local authorities do not have a specific role regarding political candidacy for local elections, they are in a position to create an informed, supportive and encouraging environment for women and people of diversity who might be interested in local government.

There has been great interest from the local authority sector, with a range of innovative applications received. In 2021, more than €103,000 was allocated to 14 local authorities. Proposals that have received funding at local authority level include a behaviour and attitudes survey among non-national groups, a webinar on political engagement, a work shadowing programme for young women interested in local government and the publication of an information booklet on the role of the councillor. Earlier this month, the 2022 call for funding was issued to local authorities.

In addition, following research funded by the Department in 2021 on female caucuses in local government structures, funding was approved for local authorities to assist with the establishment and running of such caucuses. The provision of this funding was through an application process and funding was provided mainly to caucuses that were yet to be established. In 2021, funding of €62,000 was approved to help facilitate 24 local authorities with local level and regional caucuses. Since 2019, grant funding has been made available to political parties for specific projects aimed at increasing female participation and diversity in their parties.

In September 2021, following a review of the scheme, an increased fund of €150,274 was allocated to seven political parties and, for the first time, to an Independent group. I have no doubt the Senator will have been aware of that and will be glad to hear it confirmed. Under this scheme, initiatives previously funded include: the appointment of a party diversity officer, a recruitment campaign targeting new members from migrant backgrounds, the Traveller community and people with disabilities; development and training workshops for women members; and an annual women’s conference. It is proposed to issue a further call for funding again this year to the political parties and, no doubt, to the Independent groups as well.

I again thank the Senator for raising this important issue and for his considered views. It is important we continue to shine a light on the efforts of everybody in these Houses to increase diversity and gender balance in local government.