Why is it always assumed that a man will be elected to the post of Leas-Cheann Comhairle? Why is it that only the widow of a Leas-Cheann Comhairle is provided for? Why not the surviving spouse? Why should we not contemplate that this office would be occupied by a woman?
Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Bill, 1972 ( Certified Money Bill ) : Committee and Final Stages.
SECTION 1.
Question proposed: "That section 1 stand part of the Bill."
I should like to endorse Senator Alexis FitzGerald's remarks. When the draftsmen are drafting Bills of this kind one would imagine there was only one sex in this country fit to hold office.
We need a drafts-woman.
I have great pleasure in supporting the Senator's remarks. There is nothing we can do about it at the moment.
In our unjust society.
There is no difficulty about a woman being elected Leas-Cheann Comhairle. There is no obstacle to it and, indeed, it might be a very good thing. The reason why a widow is specified in the Bill is that it is assumed that a man would be earning, and capable of earning at all times, whereas a woman might not be in exactly the same position. I will mention this to the Minister.
Question put and agreed to.
Section 2 agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without recommendation, received for final consideration and ordered to be returned to the Dáil.