Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I note the Cathoirleach's ruling about the two minutes. I will take that time. I cannot thank the Minister of State enough. He has been a real champion of councillors. I do not just say that here today. That is the case on a whole range of fronts. It is important that is acknowledged. He was a councillor himself and therefore he has come up through the system. I genuinely thank him for that. He has worked constructively with members of parties and none across the Houses, but also in local authorities. That is something that has been recognised. I know the Minister of State has had a lot of ongoing work with the AILG and LAMA, and they appreciate it.

I thank the civil servants behind the Minister of State. I am familiar with them. They know me and we know each other. We have had a lot of exchanges over many things. I am fully supportive of this initiative. I am fully supportive of bringing more women into politics, but I do not just want them to run for the local council. I want them to run in the general election. I want to fill the Seanad with women. I want them to be elected.