Houses of the Oireachtas hosts exhibition: 'Irish Female MEPs Past and Present' to mark International Women’s Day 2024

Leas Cheann Comhairle Deputy Catherine Connolly TD, Justice Marie Baker, Chair of the Electoral Commission, Deputy Chair of the Oireachtas Women's Caucus Ivana Bacik T.D and Acting Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland Fionnoula Croker spoke at the event. 

Female MEPs past and present, Houses of the Oireachtas members and members of the Diplomatic Corps attended the event.

Speaking on the launch, Leas Cheann Comhairle Deputy Catherine Connolly TD said: “We are proud to host this commemorative photographic exhibition entitled, Mná na hÉireann in Leinster House. This exhibition was commissioned by the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland in 2023 to mark 50 years of Ireland’s membership of the European Union and we are very grateful that they have let us showcase the 27 photographic portraits of Irish female MEPs who range from Síle de Valera, one of Ireland’s first female MEPs, right up to the five incumbents.

This work is a testimony to the evolution of attitudes regarding gender equality and to the gradual increase of Irish female representation in the European Parliament. This event should serve as inspiration to other Irish women to stand for election at local, national or European level." 

While we have made great strides with representation, we still have a long way to go. Less than a quarter of TDs are women (23.1%) while across the EU27, Ireland (23.1%) has the 6th lowest rate of female participation in Lower House Parliaments.”

"Equality between women and men is one of the core objectives of the European Union and on Friday 8th March 2024 we mark International Women’s Day globally. The IWD Community’s global theme is “Inspire Inclusion”, which aims to promote women’s and girls’ rights across all aspects of life. This can only be achieved if we invest in women and inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion. Promoting and safeguarding gender equality creates just, peaceful, and inclusive societies, secures prosperous and just economies, and a healthy planet for future generations."

"We are so grateful to have the support of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland for organising the portraits, the Oireachtas Women's Caucus, the Houses of the Oireachtas Staff and the Ceann Comhairle’s office to make today possible."

Acting Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland Fionnoula Croker said: "This exhibition recognises all women who have represented the citizens of Ireland in the European Parliament from the very first European elections in 1979 to the present, their individual achievements as MEPs, but also their collective contribution to a more inclusive and empowered society. They have paved the way for women coming after them, and they inspire others to step forward, speak up, and to contribute to the future they envision for their communities. Ahead of International Women’s Day 2024, the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland is delighted to celebrate each of these trailblazing women in this wonderful exhibition of photographs."

Photos from the event are available to view on the Oireachtas Flickr account.