Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish everyone a happy International Women's Day. My apologies to the Minister but I too have fitted a lot into my morning in Dublin West. I was in the company of brilliant community activists, including people from Phoenix FM, the Huntstown Community Centre and Castleknock Tidy Towns. While reference has been made to International Women's Day and the progress we have made, it does not take long before the focus shifts to the actions that are outstanding.

It is such a privilege to be in this building. I feel that every single day I walk through its doors. I shared this morning how I often put up Post-it notes in my office detailing meetings I have had with women on the doorstep or at public meetings when talking about certain issues. When I come in here I try to remember that it is not just me talking to the Minister directly because I am trying to remember what these women have told me and how I felt when I was talking to them. This morning, I am remembering the women we meet on the doorsteps who are at the end of their tether and do not always have the knowledge or time to engage with public representatives. They might send an email, which Members will see coming in late at night. The great thing about being in our job is the ability to knock on doors at the right time and hear from people about the pressures they are under. I am thinking in particular about the mothers who fight for their kids when it comes to special education and disability. It was great to hold a meeting of the Joint Committee on Autism in the Chamber last week and to give the organisations involved in this issue a platform. It was really hard to listen to some of their stories. I also recognise the groups I work with in Dublin 15, including autism groups and mums who are campaigning for disability services.

Carer's allowance is another issue I will raise. I got into politics because I dropped out of the workforce. So many women leave their jobs because of the work they have at home looking after children with complex needs. These women may not be able to access carer's allowance. We are aware of the huge amount of money it costs to get private assessments, advice, treatments and services. It seems very unfair that women who may have left well-paid jobs to do such a great job looking after their children are completely cut off economically. We should focus on that issue going forward.

The work we have done collectively on childcare is making a difference for people. I know, however, that the direction of travel must be to increase the supports available and address the lack of baby rooms and supports for younger children.

I acknowledge the hugely positive work the Minister has done on the gender pay gap, which will only deliver over time. There is also the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022. We have seen a 3% increase in people who are working full time. That is the power of women working full-time and having more options and choice when it comes to working.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. I pay tribute to the women who were in the negotiating rooms around the Good Friday Agreement. I have heard a lot from the Women's Coalition over the past few months, including from Monica McWilliams and Bronagh Hinds. Within six weeks of being formed, the Women's Coalition ran for election and had female representatives in the Assembly. They changed the dynamic of the talks. They were disrupters and challengers. As well as the Women's Coalition, we also had women like Bríd Rodgers, who was also a Member of the Seanad. We must remember the impact they made in achieving lasting stability and peace. They have set so many other women up to run for election in the North and build on that progress. It is, however, unfinished work but I want to focus on the optimism. Those women really encourage us to get into politics. I hope that in another 25 years we will be able to look back and see even more great women coming through.