Burke continues work to get more women into politics

-Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage funds National Women’s Council to conduct research

-Toolkit provides advice and a framework for local authorities to support councillors who have caring responsibilities

Minister Peter Burke has launched a further resource in his aim to attract more women into politics, while supporting and retaining the existing politicians in the system.

This week he launched research, which he asked the National Women’s Council to conduct, on how those with caring responsibilities can be supported in their work as political representatives and how the system can help them avoid the barriers many experience.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Burke said this is another piece in the jigsaw regarding increasing the low level of women in local and national politics.

“We know our council chambers are currently not reflective of society. At the last election, we saw that only 25% of the successful candidates were women and in many rural councils, that figure is significantly lower.

“Furthermore, we also have a lack of diversity and representation from varying backgrounds. While both men and women care for children and sick or elderly relatives, the research shows that 95% of that work is carried out by women.

“We have so many carers in society and they carry out a vital role, saving the tax payer millions of euro. This role often goes unnoticed and I know from meeting people and canvassing, carers and homemakers often feel their voice is not heard when it comes to politics and making decisions.

“Throughout Covid, we saw how quickly local authorities adapted to change, when meetings moved online and services were carried out remotely. It made family life and caring obligations a lot easier for many, and I see no reason we cannot continue on that path and host hybrid meetings in some instances."

“We also need to ensure all documentation is provided early so that people have time to prepare for meetings, and the meetings do not run over time.

“Councils should provide areas for councillors to work or hot-desk if a quiet space is not available at home. Plain English should always be used and councillors should have access to sufficient training and supports, especially first-time councillors new to the role.

“We need more women involved in the decisions that shape our lives, rather than making them choose between careers in public office and family commitments.

“This toolkit is intended to help drive change, so that it becomes normal to see women with young families in decision-making spaces and these important viewpoints are taken on board.

“The toolkit is just one jigsaw piece of the puzzle. Since July 2020, I have introduced a number of policy pieces on the issue, including increased funding for training and outreach, a new funding stream for political parties who commit to engage and support women to put themselves forward at the next election, as well as introducing maternity leave for the first time for councillors.

“We have a lot more we can do, but I’m hopeful these measures will mean that politics becomes a more equal and inclusive place and we see greater representation at the next local elections.

“We all know that many successful female cabinet members, such as my colleagues Minister Heather Humphreys and Minister Hildegarde Naughton, learned the ropes in their local authorities, so if we can increase the number of female councillors, that will have knock-on effects on the Oireachtas and the cabinet.”