Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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1508. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government her Department’s plan on actively promoting the inclusion of women and minorities into political roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42040/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Section 17(4B) of the Electoral Act 1997, as amended by the Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Act 2012, introduced a gender balance provision aimed at increasing female representation in politics.

This provision first came into effect for the February 2016 Dáil election and introduced a requirement that in order to receive full State funding under the Electoral Act 1997, a qualified political party had to have at least 30% women candidates and at least 30% men candidates at the election. This figure rose to 40% after 26 February 2023. The effect of not meeting these gender balance ratios are severe; half of every payment to a qualified political party is now contingent on meeting these requirements.

This legislative provision was designed as an incentive mechanism to encourage political parties to apply gender balance in the selection of candidates put forward at Dáil elections. The provision was considered to be a proportionate response to address the issue of the underrepresentation of women in Dáil Éireann. Since the introduction of this provision the number of women candidates standing for election from political parties has increased from 15% of the candidates in the 2011 Dáil election to 40% of the candidates in the 2024 Dáil election.

In addition to this legislative provision, my Department allocates €1 million per annum for a range of measures aimed at promoting increased participation amongst women and diverse candidates in local government decision making and structures.

Financial support is provided to civil society groups Women for Election and See Her Elected, who undertake vital training and capacity building work among potential candidates, as well as carrying out important research which helps to inform policy.

My Department issues annual calls for funding to local authorities and political parties. These schemes offer financing for activities which increase the participation of women and diverse groups at local level.

Alongside this, my Department provides funding to local authorities to support the upgrade of council chambers for the running of hybrid meetings. The purpose of this scheme is to allow for more flexible participation in local democracy, especially for those with family or caring responsibilities.

While these measures are having an impact, as evidenced by the record number of women and candidates from a migrant background who were elected in the 2024 local elections, I am keen to see if they could be further refined and improved. This is an issue which the Local Democracy Task Force has been asked to consider. Included in the Task Force’s terms of reference is a requirement for the Task Force to explore mechanisms to make the role of Councillor more attractive to a greater number of people from more diverse backgrounds.

I am anxious to continue supporting measures aimed at promoting increased participation amongst women and diverse candidates. I look forward to the Task Force’s recommendations as it is important to capitalise on the progress made to date and to continue to work towards equitable representation at local level.

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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1509. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update on plans to legislate for national parks, as committed to in the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42050/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The development of new legislation relating to National Parks is a priority for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) within my Department. The NPWS is currently assessing the requirements of such legislation and is considering how best to advance the process so as to maximise possible benefits to the ongoing development and management of the National Parks System.

The NPWS is committed to examining and progressing appropriate legislation that is in the best interest of both the public and of nature itself. As part of this, the NPWS is currently undertaking an important project to review and update wildlife legislation. This is an extensive, multi-year project, reviewing every facet of our wildlife laws. It is examining closely the effectiveness of our legislation in protecting wildlife and regulating activities that adversely impact on wildlife and biodiversity. A first phase of public consultation relating to this review was undertaken in 2024.