National Women’s Council of Ireland does not endorse new national agreement

Published: Thursday, March 06, 2003

'The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) will not be endorsing the new national agreement Sustaining Progress' said Grainne Healy Chairperson of the NWCI. 'The Board of the NWCI, representing 169 women's organisations, has taken this unanimous decision because the new agreement does not in any way progress equality for women' she continued. It makes no genuine attempt to address the needs of the marginalized or socially excluded - those whose voices are outside of the employed and employing classes. Ms Healy said 'The NWCI is calling on all organisations representing the interests of those experiencing inequality not to accept this agreement'.

'The NWCI entered the national negotiations with a range of proposals including increased childcare provision, increased women's representation in decision making and tackling poverty for women. No progress was made on any of these issues' said Joanna Mc Minn, Director and negotiator on behalf of, the NWCI. 'Adequate income and social inclusion are basic human rights and a document which fails to acknowledge this fact is not a document that NWCI can endorse.

'The new agreement is a restatement of Government commitments; it offers no new resources to achieve equality for women, ultimately it is an 18 month pay deal' said Orla O'Connor negotiator on behalf of the NWCI. Sustaining Progress has no new targets, timescales or specific commitments to bring about change for those living in poverty and experiencing inequality in our society.

'Achieving equality for women must be a central goal in the development of Irish society. The NWCI, as the national representative organisation for women, will continue to make the diverse voices of women heard in every place where the Government makes decisions regarding women's lives' said Ms Healy.