One of the big glaring issues on Dáil reform, leaving aside the technicalities of how we do our business is the gender issue in the Houses of the Oireachtas. We need to address it.

Thank you Deputy.

I wish to raise two substantive issues with the Tánaiste. In May I raised the issue of the need to have Down's syndrome added to the list of low-incidence disabilities to ensure those students and children have adequate educational supports.

Can the Tánaiste tell us when he will bring forward his proposal in that regard? Can he confirm what was for me a welcome announcement yesterday by An Taoiseach to the effect that the issue of the Bethany Home would be discussed at the next week's Cabinet meeting, a decision taken and an announcement made?

Deputy McDonald asked about the gender composition of the Dáil. As she is aware, the Government has introduced legislation.

I know that.

Yes, but there is a need to remind the House that we have provided an arrangement for the next general election whereby every political party will be required to nominate a minimum of 30% of their candidates of either gender, and that goes up to 40% at the subsequent general election. Any party which does not do so will have half of its State funding cut. It is the first serious attempt made to address the serious gender imbalance that we have in the Chamber.

The Minister for Education and Skills met the deputation Deputy McDonald asked me about to discuss the Down's syndrome issue and the matter is under consideration.

I can confirm that the issue of the Bethany Home is being considered by the Government. I expect that it will be considered probably at our meeting next week.