Letters to the Editor: Dáil gender divide has real impact on key issues

Gender parity is frequently dismissed as an optics issue when the reality is that the gender distribution within the Dáil is demonstrably affecting outcomes for Irish people

'We must do better by shaping a Dáil that is much more reflective of the demographics of the nation it represents. Addressing the gender divide is an excellent place to start.' File picture

The gender distribution in the Dáil is a cause for national embarrassment. Only one in four TDs is a woman. This is obviously shameful in terms of the denied leadership opportunities for half of the country’s population but, more than that, it is impacting on issues that affect Irish people.

Last week’s vote on the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) (Amendment) Bill 2023 perfectly embodies this point. It is undeniable that the substance of the bill addressed issues pertaining to women’s reproductive health. This goes a long way towards explaining why 64% of the women in the Dáil voted in favour of restoring the bill, while only 45% of men did so.