Podcast
In 2012 we introduced 30% gender quotas for political parties running candidates. In 2023 this has increased to 40%. Since the establishment of the quota, we have seen increases in women’s representation from 16% in 2011 to 22.5% in 2020.
Since the last election we’ve provided over €1.5m to help increase the number of women and persons from minorities in politics.
We’ve introduced paid paternity benefit, parent’s benefit and the National Childcare Scheme and extended parent’s leave so that parents can better balance work with family and caring commitments.
Through Ireland’s first National Maternity Strategy and Women’s Health Action Plan, we’re striving to provide better, patient-centred care at every life stage.
We’re implementing policies to help women in business with funding, mentoring and other supports and we’re increasing the number of women apprentices through the new bursary fund.
We’ve led the way on referenda and positive social change, including ensuring a woman’s right to choose by repealing the 8th Amendment, securing marriage equality, safeguarding children’s rights, and reforming divorce.
“Politics offers the chance to represent your community and make a positive difference. As Vice President of the European Parliament’s LGBTI Intergroup, I advocate for inclusion and human rights. I have also just concluded negotiations on new EU pay transparency rules – ending corporate secrecy that enables the gender pay gap.”
Maria Walsh MEP, Midlands-North West
“I chaired the launch of the ‘Yes Equality’ Limerick Campaign for Marriage Equality and I was active during the Repeal the 8th Referendum. Get involved in what you care about in your local community. Politics starts with work on the ground and can be extremely rewarding.”
Cllr Olivia O’Sullivan, Limerick City North
“I got involved in politics through my involvement in local community committees. I love being involved at the heart of the community. I saw my transition into local politics and then into the Dáil afterwards as a way of extending my ability to help those community groups in my area.”
Minister Martin Heydon TD, Kildare South
“Securing equality and rights for women has been my lifelong goal. In the 1980s, I became involved in and served as Chairperson of the National Women’s Council of Ireland. Today as an MEP, I’m leading negotiations on the first ever EU law on preventing violence against women. Women are change-makers.”
Frances Fitzgerald MEP, Dublin
“Fine Gael is a value led party whose actions match its values. Fine Gael is a compassionate party that always offer a helping hand to those that need it, giving them hope, as it also offers equal opportunity for everybody to engage in democracy, ensuring that there are no barriers to opportunities.”
Cllr Yemi Adenuga, Navan
“I wanted to change things in my community, the country, and the world. To anyone interested in getting involved, I’d say do it. Fine Gael wants to see more women, young people, people from diverse backgrounds, migrants, getting involved in our party because we want our party to reflect modern Ireland.”
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD, Dublin West
