Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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88. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to increase the number of women in politics. [36254/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Greater female representation in politics is one of the aims pursued under High-Level Objective Four of the National Strategy for Women and Girls, to advance women in leadership at all levels. My Department has coordinating responsibility for the Strategy, which provides a whole-of-government framework through which women's empowerment can continue to be advanced across Irish society.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has responsibility for the provisions to encourage the selection of a greater number of women candidates in general elections introduced in the Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Act 2012. Under Action 4.5 of the National Strategy for Women and Girls, and in line with the Action Programme for Effective Local Government, his Department is also continuing to work with local authorities, the Association of Irish Local Government and political parties to promote and assist women candidates in local government elections.

Policy matters in regard to family leaves and flexible working for political representatives are being examined by my Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Cultural norms are among the barriers to women’s participation in politics. The Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality, which submitted its report to the Oireachtas on 2 June, has made a number of recommendations in connection with gender equality in politics and public life. The Programme for Government “Our Shared Future” includes a commitment that the Government will respond to each recommendation of the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality. The Citizens' Assembly's recommendations are currently being considered by the Oireachtas which will identify potential next steps in this regard.