Ceann Comhairle to open first event of 2018 Votáil100 commemorations: conference held in conjunction with the Royal Irish Academy (RIA)

In 2018, the Houses of the Oireachtas, under the banner of Vótáil 100, will commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of Irish women being granted the right to vote and run in parliamentary elections.

Speaking today, the Ceann Comhairle, said, “The Houses of the Oireachtas is delighted to work with the RIA in celebrating and commemorating the role of women in politics by co-hosting this exciting conference. A cross-section of female TDs and Senators will take part in a panel discussion on the role of women in parliament and their unique experiences. That discussion will take place in the context of a wide-ranging discussion on women’s suffrage; politics and gender and the Representation of the People Act, which gave women the right to vote. Over the course of 2018, the Houses of the Oireachtas will host a number of events and exhibitions celebrating 100 years of women’s suffrage. This conference is the first event and it will set out the historical perspective of the centenary, as well as encouraging robust debate and analysis.”

President of the RIA, Michael Peter Kennedy, added, “Analysing the historical and ongoing low level of female participation in politics is crucial to our democracy and society. This conference will be a great forum to understand and address those issues.”

See the programme here

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