Áine Collins
FINE Gael Cork North West Deputy, Áine Collins, has welcomed the announcement by the Minister of State for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People, Kathleen Lynch TD, of €1.1 million on funding which will go towards supporting women’s participation in the labour market, training and education initiatives as well as local community projects.
The funding is available through the ESF funded Equality for Women Measure and will support 36 positive action projects in communities right across the country.
“It is vital that the contribution women can make to the world of business and to the economy in general is harnessed. We make up 50% of the population, so it is only right that our voices are heard and our influence is felt in equal measure.
“An emphasis was placed, in the programme for Government, on encouraging the greater participation of women in public and political life. As a business woman myself, I feel very passionately about the role women can and should play in rebuilding our economy and getting Ireland back on track.
“These funds will go towards helping women return to the labour market, enhancing employment opportunities for a further 1,500 women. I am delighted that a number of projects in Cork are in line to receive funding. IRD Duhallow Ltd will receive €33,333 to increase access to employment; female entrepreneurship will be fostered through the allocation of €33,167 to South & East Cork Area Development Partnership Ltd, €17,235 will go to Cork Institute of Technology and €32,519 to the Institute for Social Sciences in the 21st Century at UCC.
“We must ensure that entry or re-entry to the workplace for women is facilitated in whatever way possible and that, women, as a valuable resource, can contribute to our economic recovery.
“Ensuring equality for women, in politics, business and in the community must be prioritised. This funding will go a considerable way to supporting worthwhile projects aimed at education, retraining and getting women back to work.”
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