Fianna Fail TD's views condemned as 'an insult to women'

The Fianna Fáil TD Mr Noel Davern found himself at the centre of a storm of protest yesterday over his explanation of why there were no women on the Irish delegation to the Council of Europe.

Earlier this week the Council of Europe suspended the voting rights of the group for at least two months after it flouted a requirement that it include at least one woman member.

However, the Tipperary South deputy said being a member of the parliamentary delegation was not "an easy role for a woman" and that other delegations had difficulties in "getting some ladies to attend" assembly meetings.

"Many of the ladies who are in other delegations are not actually attending the assembly. I have that on evidence from last night. I discussed it with several different delegations last night, and they've had difficulty in getting some ladies to attend as well," Mr Davern told Newstalk 106.

"Being on the Council of Europe is not an easy role for a woman because many of the meetings you're attending on your own in different countries, and there wasn't a great record of people looking for that."

However, the Labour Party's equality spokeswoman, Ms Breeda Moynihan-Cronin, and a former member of the European Council delegation, described the remarks as an insult to women.

"When you hear remarks like that you wonder how far we have come. I was a member of the delegation and was well able to carry out my duties. I can't understand where he is coming from," Ms Cronin said.

Fine Gael's equality spokeswoman, Senator Sheila Terry, said she was shocked by the remarks and planned to raise the issue in the Seanad next week.

"For a man to explain like that why women aren't on the delegation is shocking and disgraceful in this day and age. I wonder if any women were actually offered a place on the delegation in the first place," Ms Terry said.

However, the Government's Chief Whip, Ms Mary Hanafin, said officials were seeking a woman candidate for the delegation, but explained that many were not available as they mostly held senior positions in the Oireachtas.

"Whatever about the under-representation of women in the Dáil itself, look at the number of women in frontbench positions. We also have a committee chairwoman and four Government Ministers," Ms Hanafin said.

"We will appoint a woman to the position, but only because of their interest in the role, and not just because of their gender."

The National Women's Council of Ireland, meanwhile, said women were not available for roles such as the Council of Europe delegation because of barriers in the political system itself.

Ms Joanna McMinn said Mr Davern "might do well to inform himself over some of the reasons why women are not entering politics".

Mr Niall Crowley of the Equality Authority also said that, generally, much more needed to be done to encourage women into politics.