Midlands 103

Search

Listen Live

On Air Now

9:00am - Noon

Will Faulkner

T'pau

China In Your Hand

€130,000 Further Funding Announced For 'Women In Policitics' Campaign

Tuesday, 8 March 2022 06:51

Around one-in-six local representatives in the midlands are women.

Just under €130,000 in funding has been approved for the Women For Election campaign.

It aims to encourage more women to get involved in politics at both local and national level.

Minister of State at the Department of Local Government, Longford-Westmeath TD Peter Burke also says talks are at an advanced stage to introduce firm maternity leave measures for local councillors.

At the moment 10 of the 58 county councillors in Laois, Offaly and Westmeath are female.

Minister Burke stated,

“My Department has engaged extensively with councillors in relation to the maternity supports they need and with the Office of the Attorney General on legal questions arising. A package of maternity-related measures for councillors, including progressive proposals for legislative change, is being finalised by my Department.”

Concluding, the Minister said, “We are working hard to address the many issues that can act as a barrier to women participating in local government structures and decision making. Women for Election has been an extremely valuable partner to the Department in this work for several years now, and we look forward to continuing to support them as we look towards the local elections in 2024.”

More from Midlands News

Gardaí Advising Motorists To Avoid Midlands Road

Emergency services are at the scene.
Drugs Are Being Drone-Dropped Into Midlands Prison

Prison Officers are calling for anti-drone technology.
Laois County Council Votes To Adopt New Local Area Plan

The new plan covers the needs of the mobility impaired as well as housing for students in SETU.
100k Children Missed Out On Dental School Screening In 2023

The dental workforce has declined by over a fifth in the last 17 years.
Prison Inmates' Mental Health Being Impacted By Over Crowding

A new report shows men in prison are facing several barriers to accessing mental health care.
Plans For Cycling And Walking Trails Across Midlands Bogs

The intention is in inter-connect with the Greenway.
€5,000 Taken During Burglary In The Midlands

Gardaí are investigating two burglaries in the midlands.
Flooding Schemes To Protect Almost 2,000 Homes

A flood alleviation plan is under construction in Athlone.
Laois School Students' Study Highlights Farmers' Battle With Mental Health

Their study found expectations and demands on farmers are making things worse.
Elderly Man Hospitalised After Offaly Crash

The incident in Tullamore happened at 12pm today.
Women Risk Being "Stuck" In Refuge Due To Issues With Sourcing Accommodation

Esker House claim hotels do not work as well for domestic abuse victims.
Record Number Of Women Declare For 2024 Local Elections

36 candidates have put their names forward so far in the midlands.
Westmeath Cafe Customers Reluctant To Take Home Cans After DRS Implementation

The Deposit Return Scheme has faced broad criticism from businesses in the midlands.
Emergency Services At Scene Of Offaly Crash

The collision occurred earlier this morning.
Dáil To Debate Replacement Of Means-Testing For Family Carers

The Regional Group of TDs is putting forward an alternative.
'Pleasant' Mother And Daughter The Winners Of €150k Offaly Scratch Card

The pair picked up the biggest prize on the ticket.
Serious Offaly Crash Which Saw Four People Hospitalised Under Investigation

The collision occurred on Monday afternoon.
Over 150 Midlands Businesses On Board For LOFFA Rainbow Day

This year represents the fourth edition of the annual event.
Offaly Lotto Player Bags €150k Winning Ticket

More details to follow.
Westmeath Army Barracks To Benefit From Increased Defence Funding

The project has been allocated €1.4m.

Download Our App

Never miss a moment from Midlands 103