Thirty seven women from Kerry braved the elements on Wed 16th November 2011 and headed to Dublin for the Dáil (see phots below). We had an early start am from Listowel, on to Tralee for 5.30 and 5.40 pick up from Castleisland .We arrived promptly in Dublin for 10 am and were warmly greeted by our local Minister, Jimmy Deenihan who organised a visit to the gallery to view the morning sitting. It was an wonderful experience watching and listening to our ministers and TDs interact in the House, faces we only see on television. Following the sitting in the galley Minister Dennihan asked us if we wanted to bring any issues to the Dáil and invited us for coffee and a photo. We had prepared a list of issues that were discussed in class, relating to childcare and the children’s bill which has been postponed until next year. It was pointed out that the issue of childcare affects women, ironically 25 per cent of the participants couldn’t go to the Dáil trip because of lack childcare. Also the issues of college fees was brought to the minister and that was one the topics discussed in Dáil which we were heard in the gallery.
We also got an opportunity to meet the first and only woman from Kerry who is in the Seanad, Marie Maloney, who kindly brought us on a tour.
We also paid a visit to occupy Dame street to learn more about their protest, on the way we met thousands of students who were demonstrating their objections to the college fees.
It was a memorable educational day that illustrated the structures of the Dáil, and how decisions are made, it also showed us what the ordinary person can do to lobby , and gain public support in a democratic way. The women were enlightened from both sides, that of the politician and the electorate ie. What we can do as citizens to get heard. We concluded our visit with a short tour of Dublin City hall and got to see where Dublin City Council meet. It was a fantastic day and gave the women a deeper insight on how the Dáil works. One woman commented on how she has a renewed interest in politics and how important it is to be informed on what is happening in Lenister House
This project is funded under the Equality for Women Measure 2010-2013, with funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) through the Human Capital Investment Operational Programme 2007- 2013 and the Department of Justice and Equality.
