Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State is very welcome to discuss this all-important issue. Congratulations to him and his officials on all that was involved in coming to this day, from LAMA to the AILG, to various councillors and various organisations, such as Women for Election and the Fine Gael women's group, which contributed to this. Well done to all who are out there promoting women.

I served on my council for 17 years, and during 15 of those years there were no more than three females on the council, and they were all older females or single because young mothers found it so prohibitive in that there was no maternity leave and there were costs associated with the position.

Today is therefore a good day for females. This is also about participation and encouraging people to participate. I have worked with many young women and young mothers who ran in the most recent local elections. This is about encouraging more women to run, and I believe that this historic day will give that encouragement and support to females to put their names forward. Females have so much to give once elected. I congratulate the Minister of State and wish him all the best and wish this legislation a speedy passage.