FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4th March 2025
More women than ever before in the Houses of the Oireachtas, but still a long way to go – International Women’s Day
Photoshoot of women TDs and Senators marks largest ever number of women in the Houses of the Oireachtas for International Women’s Day but highlights that Ireland lags at 99th in world.
“This Dáil and Seanad has the largest number of women in the history of the State, with 71 women TDs and Senators bringing their diverse voices, perspectives, and expertise to the Houses of the Oireachtas, especially their lived experience as women” said Aldagh McDonogh, Chair of Women for Election.
“However, with Ireland lagging at 99th in the world for the number of women in national parliament, there is still a very long way to go to have a properly functioning democracy”, said McDonogh.
The photoshoot today of women members in the Houses of the Oireachtas marks International Women’s Day and has been arranged by Women for Election and the Oireachtas Women’s Caucus. This event celebrates those who have come through the considerable challenges women faced in getting to the Houses of the Oireachtas in recent elections. The photo is a tangible visual demonstration of the presence of women in national politics and seeks to inspire others to join them.
“Despite some progress in the last elections, our national parliament does not yet fully include women who make up half of the population, nor the diversity of women living in Ireland. Women are 25% of TDs and overall are 30% of Oireachtas members” said McDonogh.
Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, Chairperson of the Women’s Caucus said “It is vital for the health of our society, our economy and our democracy that women’s voices, expertise and lived experience are heard at tables where decisions are made that affect every person in Ireland. As women we shouldn’t have to keep reaching out, asking to be heard. We must expect more. Politics and society will be the better for it.”
Women remain significantly underrepresented in Government decision-making. Just 3 Cabinet Ministers out of 15 were appointed by the new coalition Government. Only 23 women have ever served in Cabinet, whereas 217 men have served. The government appointed just 6 women among the 23 Ministers of State.
“Gender equality in politics is not a luxury nor an optional goal. It is a fundamental necessity for a fair and just society, a society that values the contributions of women as equal partners in addressing the nation’s challenges and shaping its future” said McDonogh.
“We need a commitment from our Government, from our political parties and from a range of stakeholders across society to use the time until the next election to ensure that many more women, including women from diverse backgrounds, enter the next parliament,” concluded McDonogh.
ENDS
