NWCI concerned about the absence of female Junior Ministers

Published: Wednesday, July 16, 2014

The National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI), is very concerned about the Government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the gender quotas at the next General Election.

NWCI have questioned the Taoiseach’s commitment to his party’s own gender quota legislation, as a result of the reshuffle of junior cabinet ministries yesterday, which saw no women promoted from Fine Gael’s back bench. 

“The complete absence of women in the appointments made to the position of Junior Minister, is very disappointing, and we are concerned about the impact that this could have on the successful implementation of gender quotas at the next general election”,  said Louise Glennon, Women in Politics and Decision Making Officer, with NWCI.

“In 2012, this Government, and this Taoiseach passed legislation to introduce gender quotas at general election time. The members of NWCI were very supportive of this legislation and are working towards it successful implementation”, Louise continued.

The gender quota legislation requires parties to run a minimum of 30 per cent female candidates at the next general election.  If parties fail to reach this quota they will lose half of the state funding they currently receive.

“In order to attract women to political life, the Government, as well as opposition parties must have female role models in visible, senior positions.  The contribution of female politicians must be valued and rewarded through promotion.  It is very disappointing to see none of Fine Gael’s very able female T.D’s promoted to Minister of State yesterday, despite the commitment that this Government has made to increasing the number of women engaged in politics in Ireland” said Orla O’Connor, Director of NWCI.

ENDS

For further information, or to arrange an interview please contact Orla O’Connor, Director of NWCI on 087 6489516, or Louise Glennon, Women in Politics and Decision Making Officer on 085 8585209.