Meeting of the Parliament 26 March 2024
As I mentioned in my opening remarks, the Government recognises the court’s decision. It is important that the Government listens to all groups—whether they are all-women groups or other groups—that have a variety of views on any subject.
Meghan Gallacher discussed women’s groups in her opening remarks, and I suggest to her that we also do a disservice to women by suggesting that all groups that represent women share the same views. As a Government minister, I am very cognisant that there are a variety of views on a variety of subjects, and I give my commitment on behalf of the Government that we will consult with everyone, regardless of their views, on contentious issues.
Paul O’Kane was right to point to the fact that the bill is not changing anything but tidying it up. It is also important to recognise the points that Carol Mochan made about the purpose of the act. She spoke, quite rightly, about the barriers that still exist to women and the fact that the Parliament must collectively work together to continue to break down those barriers.
Despite the fact that this is a small bill that applies a technical fix to the statute book, it is important that we reflect on the need for the bill within the context of gender representation on public boards and recommit ourselves to those initial principles, as Carol Mochan suggested. On that note, I draw my remarks to a close.