SENATOR BACIK WELCOMES PASSAGE OF BILL ON GENDER QUOTAS
20 July 2012
STATEMENT BY SENATOR IVANA BACIK
Labour Party Seanad leader and Spokesperson on Justice
Friday 20th July2012
SENATOR BACIK WELCOMES PASSAGE OF BILL ON GENDER QUOTAS
Senator Ivana Bacik today welcomed the final passage of the Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Bill2011 through the Seanad. This bill will require political parties to selectat least 30% of their candidates of each gender at the next general election,subject to financial penalties.
Welcoming the final passage ofthis legislation, Senator Bacik said:
“I am delighted that this legislation is now finalised, and that the amendments made by the Dail were unanimously passed through the Seanad today. The provisions in sections 28-30 of the bill which require political parties to select a minimum proportion of candidates of each gender, will make a significant difference in Irish politics. A report on women's participation in politics which I authored,published by the Justice Committee in 2009, found that legislation like this is one of the most effective ways to ensure that more women become active in politics. Given Ireland's very low rate of participation by women, it is vital that we take positive steps to encourage more womento come forward; and that we encourage political parties to be more proactive about bringing forward women candidates . This legislation will do that and I greatly welcome its passage today.”
ENDS