20/01/2012

Conference Held For More Women TDs

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has addressed a conference called 'How to Elect More women?' in Dublin Castle on Friday.

Speaking at the conference, the Taoiseach said: "I was most anxious to be part of this great conference and I am delighted to have the opportunity to wish you well at the outset…Today we are concentrating on the important role women can play in political life.

The Programme for National Recovery agreed between the two Government parties made specific commitments in relation to the greater engagement of women in decision-making, both on state boards and in political life.

Speaking about candidate quotas, the Taoiseach said: "I know that the idea of quotas is always a cause of energetic debate . To those who challenge the concept, I will just point out that women have been voting in Ireland for over 90 years, but our system, has failed to provide the people with a higher and more appropriate representation by women in the Dáil and the Oireachtas.

"That’s a reason why, when we could influence this, a higher proportion of women were appointed by me to Seanad Eireann than ever before from the nominees of the Taoiseach. As Parties we will offer the electorate broader choices in the future and are committed to making that happen.

(DW)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 July 2016
Taoiseach Enda Kenny Meets With French President Francois Hollande
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has met with French President, Francois Hollande, to discuss a range of EU counter-terrorism measures and the impact of the UK's Brexit decision. During the meeting the Taoiseach reiterated the sympathy and solidarity of the Irish people with France in the wake of the attack in Nice on 14 July.
21 August 2014
Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds Dies Aged 81
Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds has died aged 81. Reynolds, born in Rooskey, Co Roscommon, served as a minister in a number of governmental departments and was elected Taoiseach on two occasions. He has been honoured as playing an integral role in the Northern Ireland peace process. His death was announced by his eldest son, Philip Reynolds.
03 March 2014
Bacik Launches Events To Celebrate International Women's Week
Labour Senator Ivana Bacik today launched a programme of events to celebrate International Women's Week at Trinity College Dublin, alongside Sheelan Yousefizadeh, a student activist on human rights in Iran. The theme designated by the United Nations for International Women's Day this year (8th March) is that of 'Women Inspiring Change'.
21 February 2012
The Irish Cancer Charity Launches Advertising Campaign
The Irish Cancer Society has launched its first major advertising campaign aimed specifically at young women who smoke. The Irish Cancer Society is concerned by the high level of female smokers under-35 and believes that the number of tobacco related diseases in women is reaching epidemic proportions.
27 August 2008
Third Of Irish Births Outside Marriage
New figures from the Central Statistics Office show a third of Irish babies were born outside marriage last year. The statistics revealed by the CSO detail the death and birth patterns for the whole Sate. According to the figures, over two in five births in 2007 were to first time mothers, with 33% of births outside marriage.