€215,000 for political parties to increase diversity

Minister for Planning and Local Government Peter Burke, TD has announced funding of €215,594 to seven political parties and two independent groups to encourage an increase in the number of women candidates and people of diversity running in the next local elections.

As part of a range of measures brought forward by the minister in recent months aimed at increasing the participation of women and people of diversity at local government level, an increased allocation has been approved this year for political parties and independent groups to fund initiatives in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.

The Mullingar TD said: “I have spent much of my tenure as minister for local government working to address the gender imbalance in our council chambers. My department and I have been working in a targeted manner to make local government in Ireland more reflective of the diverse communities it serves.

“In support of that goal, I have approved significant funding to local authorities, as well as to interest groups working in the area. Political parties and independent groups have proven to be a key partner for us in this work, as research shows those structures are crucial to getting more women on the ballot paper.

“For this scheme in 2021, I set out more prescriptive guidelines and linked funding to targeted measures and tangible outcomes, and this year, we were eager to build on that success. I was pleased to see that proposals received from the parties clearly set out a strategic timeline over the next two years to support and prepare female and diverse candidates for the 2024 elections.”

A variety of initiatives were selected for funding, including the appointment of women’s and equality officers within parties, women’s conferences, and training and capacity building for candidates and party members, along with recruitment drives.

Applications were received from Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, The Green Party, Sinn Féin, The Labour Party, The Social Democrats, People Before Profit/Solidarity, The Reform Alliance and the Independent Women Councillors and Oireachtas Members Group.

Minister Burke has also recently received approval for the introduction of maternity-related leave and supports for councillors. Legislation to provide that is currently making its way through the Dáil, and the goal is to have it enacted before Christmas.

Concluding, Minister Burke said: “I am delighted to say that following a review of the proposals received, all groups were successful in their applications for partial or full funding allocations. Political parties and independent groups play an important role in striving for equality in local government, and through continued collaboration, I believe we can effect real change in our council chambers.”