Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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804. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 971 of 5 February 2025, to provide an update on the new national strategy for women and girls; the date on which she intends to publish the strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16726/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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A key commitment in the Programme for Government is to publish and implement an updated National Strategy for Women and Girls. My officials are currently working intensively to develop the new Strategy with a view to publishing the Strategy mid-year.

A stakeholder consultation to inform the themes of the Strategy was completed at the end of 2024. This consultation sought input from both the general public and representatives from across civil society. A National Youth Assembly was convened in September 2024 to attain the views of young people on priorities for inclusion in the new strategy. Reports from these consultations have been completed and are currently under review to identify priorities and potential actions for the next National Strategy for Women and Girls.

On March 4th an Engagement Event, supported by the National Women's Council, was held to mark International Women's Day and to provide an update to stakeholders. Presentations were delivered by the research and polling company IPSOS B&A, the Youth Advisory Group, and the National Women's Council. Additionally, a prioritisation exercise was held to help to identify areas of focus for the next National Strategy for Women and Girls.