National Women’s Council calls for special joint Oireachtas Committee to oversee implementation of t

Published: Thursday, June 03, 2021

Dr Catherine Day, Chair of the Citizens Assembly on Gender Equality, met with National Women’s Council (NWC) members today (3rd June) to discuss the citizens’ recommendations and next steps at NWC’s Annual General Meeting. The meeting follows the submission of the final report of the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality to the Oireachtas yesterday.

Responding to Catherine Day’s comments and the publication of the Citizens' Assembly report, the National Women’s Council called on the Government to organise a full Oireachtas debate on the Citizens’ Assembly results and establish a special joint Oireachtas Committee to oversee the implementation of the citizens’ recommendations.

Orla O’Connor, Director of NWC said,

“With their comprehensive recommendations covering so many key areas for women and women’s equality, the citizens have outlined a clear pathway to achieve gender equality in Ireland. And they have called for the Government to act promptly and decisively.  

The Government now needs to respond to the citizens and highlight how they intend to implement the results of the Citizens’ Assembly. We welcome the Government’s commitment in the National Economic Plan to promote gender equality across Irish society as a priority and to consider the recommendations by the Citizens Assembly.

As a next step, NWC is calling for a full Oireachtas debate to consider the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly.

 In addition, NWC wants to see a special Joint Oireachtas Committee established that will discuss the recommendations and oversee their full implementation over the coming months. The citizens have done incredible work. It is now up to the Government to act swiftly.”

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For more information, please contact Silke Paasche, Head of Communications, NWC, Tel. 085 858 9104.