The gender distribution in the Dáil is a cause for national embarrassment. Gender parity is frequently dismissed as an optics issue when the reality is that the gender distribution within the Dáil is demonstrably affecting outcomes for Irish people. Of course, this representation goes beyond the issue of gender. We must do better by shaping a Dáil that is much more reflective of the demographics of the nation it represents. The current waiting list for an assessment of need is expected to hit 22,000 by the end of this year.

Source: Irish Examiner December 29, 2025 14:19 UTC