·         “Roscommon Women’s Manifesto Group”

The Cathaoirleach introduced Tara Farrell, Chairperson of Roscommon Womens Network and Philomena Hourigan from Roscommon Women’s Manifesto Group.  She also welcomed members of the Manifesto group in the public gallery, a momentus day for the group that encourages women to become more politically aware and involved in local decision making.

Tara Farrell gave the background to the movement - The Manifesto Group was founded in 2009 in Longford to address the disconnect between women and local decision making and now has a number of groups across the country.  Local Government Reform has allowed this group to increase their influence through the PPN and SPC membership.

Philomena Hourigan outlined the aims of the Group as follows:

-       Diverse group of women who meet and learn more about how decisions are made that affect them and their family lives.

-       Encourages more women to take part in decision making and to become more politically aware.

-       Barriers to involvement include lack of confidence and often feelings of isolation with no voice

-       Women are responsible for the majority of child and eldercare in Ireland (CSO Stats 98%)

-       Structural reforms are necessary to facilitate such groups such as times of meetings etc.

-       More informed decisions mean better decisions for all of the community

-       How can Roscommon County Council and Roscommon Womens Manifesto Group work together?

o   Ensure information is accessible

o   Working relationship at grassroots level

o   Enhance a more balanced consultation process

o   Empower women

o   Promote Roscommon PPN and encourage women to become involved in local decision making.

The Cathaoirleach thanked the group for their presentation and said that this is a historic day for the group to address the Council.

The members all warmly welcomed the presentation and noted as follows:

-       Acknowledged the great work done in Castlerea where the Womens Network was established a number of years ago. They have great training programmes and work with great enthusiasm everyone can learn from their efforts. Their education models are wonderful and benefit all of the community, not just women.

-       Four women who attended Womens Network training in 2014 were elected to local Councils.

-       The members paid tribute to the groundbreaking contribution by its founder Nora Fahy.

-       Sense of pride in having the group address the Plenary Council of the county

-       Significance of the presentation in light of the Votáil 100 commemoration. The Cathaoirleach outlined the commemorative lectures that will take place on 25^th April in King House in Boyle.

-       Its over 40 years since there was a female TD in the Roscommon Constituency

-       Women should have equal rights in all aspects of life

The Chief Executive welcomed the speakers and the representatives. He would like to see more involvement of women in committees and to make sure that every part of society is included in everything the Council does as everyone’s voice is important. He encouraged the group to let the Council know if there are things that can be improved on and make their views known. He would be delighted to welcome the group back at anytime and commended their bravery in coming and addressing the Plenary Meeting, and hoped that they felt encouraged by their reception.