NATIONAL agreements were not confined to farming, business and trade union interests, the chairwoman of the National Women's Council of Ireland said yesterday. There were broad issues of primary concern to other groups, which had their own expertise, Ms Noreen Byrne said.
Lack of progress in key areas under the PCW, such as equal status legislation, illustrated the need for other groups to be involved in discussing and implementing national programmes. The balance of interests represented in negotiations was skewed when limited interests were involved, Ms Byrne said.
Any agreement should involve structured consultation with women and other groups affected by social and economic policy. Such policies should also be equality proofed.
Women should be involved in talks on a new agreement because of their practical experience, to reflect the increasing diversity in Irish society and to reduce social exclusion.