Houses of the Oireachtas outlines plans for Vótáil100

Over the course of 2018, the Oireachtas will take part in a number of events to mark the centenary, including:

• Hosting – in conjunction with the Royal Irish Academy - an academic conference entitled ‘Representation, Gender and Politics: Past and Present’;
• A youth debate in Seanad Éireann;
• In partnership with the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland, Leinster House will play host to an exhibition of artefacts, images and ephemera. This exhibition will celebrate the work of the suffragette movement, the importance of the Representation of the People Act 1918 and the impact that this has had on modern society.
• An exhibition on Countess Markievicz, held in conjunction with the National Gallery of Ireland:  https://www.nationalgallery.ie/countess-markievicz

Speaking today, Leas Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil, Pat The Cope Gallagher said, “Irish women were finally allowed to vote in the 1918 general election after winning that right on this day 99 years ago, with the passing of the Representation of the People Act 1918. It is fitting that today we announce our intentions to celebrate and commemorate this event over the course of next year. 2018 is also the anniversary of the election of Ireland's first female Member of Parliament -Countess Markievicz. We will announce a full programme of events in the new year and we look forward to celebrating the participation of women in Irish political life.”

Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Senator Denis O’Donovan, added, “Seanad Éireann is delighted to play its part in commemorating 100 years since the right to vote was granted to Irish women. The Seanad chamber will play host to a Transition Year debating contest, with successful applicants from across the country having the opportunity to speak in the Seanad chamber. The programme of events we will announce in the new year will highlight the impact of wider voting rights, the history of the suffrage movement and its leaders in Ireland and of the representation of women in parliament.”

Senator Ivana Bacik also commented, “As Chairperson of the Vótáil100 Committee which is organising the celebrations around the 2018 centenary of women's suffrage in Ireland, I am delighted we will have so many exciting events and exhibitions taking place in Leinster House. We hope that our Vótáil100 Programme will encourage and inspire more women to become politically involved, and will remind us all about the importance of the right to vote.”

For more information, visit our web page: www.oireachtas.ie/votail100