Do not treat us differently than men. The Ceann Comhairle is well able for it.

Sentiment score: -0.02

As north Kildare's only female TD, I am delighted to speak on International Women's Day as a member of Sinn Féin, a party that champions women and holds them to the same standard and regard as our male colleagues. We do not expect to be treated differently - just the same, thanks. I have always said that a woman's place is in the revolution, be that here sa bhaile, sa Phalaistín nó fud fad na cruinne. From Constance Markievicz to Mairéad Farrell, whose anniversary it is today - suaimhneas síoraí di - tá mná i stair na hÉireann tar éis spreagadh mór a thabhairt dom. Is trua é nach bhfuil an oiread sin ban le feiceáil sa Teach seo. This Dáil has the lowest proportion of female parliamentarians in western Europe, and it really is embarrassing. Some 25% of TDs are women, compared with the 37% average across Europe. Sinn Féin, however, stands as the only large party that runs women in winnable seats and nearly 40% of our TDs are women. Most women do not like the gender quota. We know that we have got here on merit, and I certainly would not vote for a woman from a centrist or right-wing party, but quotas are very much necessary in this State. Sinn Féin managed to achieve 50-50 representation in the North without any gender quota legislation, so when there is a will, there is a way.

Sentiment score: 0.06

The same cannot be said for the likes of Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael, but particularly Fianna Fáil. With just seven women elected out of 48 Fianna Fáil TDs, it is the worst party when it comes to gender balance. What must it be to be a woman in Fianna Fáil and manage to get elected? I do not know but I imagine they would be as good as any of their male counterparts. I have noticed that only the member of the Cabinet spoke here today. All the other Fianna Fáil women left, and I hope they left in protest. It is important that there are more women in politics. Mary Lou McDonald referenced the 8.3% rise in domestic abuse calls received by An Garda Síochána last year. In Kildare, we saw a staggering 25% increase in those calls, up 661 to 3,279 in 2024. Reporting of domestic violence is something I always insisted was on the agenda of the JPCs at our meetings in Kildare County Council, but since the local elections last year, JPCs have not been in operation. Dublin City Council, it is worth mentioning, is still holding its JPCs, to its credit. In Kildare, however, we are still waiting on the establishment of the local community safety partnerships that are set to replace the JPCs. As one of the three James' who equal the number of women in Cabinet, I urge the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, to reconvene the joint policing committees while we are waiting for the Government to establish local community safety partnerships in order that we have a bit of accountability on the domestic violence that goes on in my county. We all have to do our bit for mná na hÉireann. Is ar scáth a chéile a mhairimid.

Sentiment score: 0.07

We can all hear you, do not worry.

Sentiment score: 0.34

That would be great. We are waiting for Deputy Ward's leader to come in and explain what is going on in his party.

Sentiment score: 0.51