Sir, - I am writing to clarify one point in regard to Breda O'Briens column of October 21st. Last year I initiated an amendment, which was adopted by the budget committee, to open up the monopoly funding line to other women's groups. However, I also proposed that the EWL receive an extra €100,000, bringing its total to €700,000, on condition that an additional €100,000 be provided for other women's groups.
My group (the EPP) accepted this proposal and our negotiator spent a full day in negotiations with the Women's Rights Committee, of which Ms Theorin is chairperson. As our negotiator explained: "I offered more money and less monopoly, but they refused. They said they wanted less money and more monopoly." My only desire was to respond to the groups representing mothers working full-time in the home, who appealed for help in obtaining funding so their voices could be heard at European level.
While I personally know of no one in the European Parliament who would support discrimination or violence against women, we must remember that to deny women a voice is a form of violence against them.
This year, to prevent the monopoly question being spin-doctored into an anti-abortion area, I deliberately stood back. The budget committee, however, ruled again that this was a monopoly situation, unacceptable within the European Union, and the budget line should be opened up to other women's groups. An amendment was tabled within Ms Theorin's committee. I was one of many women who supported this amendment.
I believe it is the duty of every elected representative to ensure that the voice of those who are voiceless is clearly heard. If the diverse voices of the women of Europe are to be heard, this monopoly funding situation must end. - Yours, etc.,
Dana Rosemary Scallon MEP, Eglinton Street, Galway.