Madam, - John McManus's Business Opinion of August 24th makes the valid point that the Government needs to take more decisions and spend less taxpayers' money on consulting. This is especially true in the area of women in agriculture, where the need for decisions is long overdue.
However, Mr McManus focused on a proposed attitudinal survey on women in agriculture, which he described as "funny" and "a pointless waste of taxpayers' money".
He also implied that the study does not relate to any policy or policy initiative. As Equality Officer for the IFA, I would like to assure him that this proposed study is a welcome implementation of action and has a solid basis for being undertaken.
An advisory committee on the role of women in agriculture was established by the Minister for Agriculture in 2000. Its report outlined the need for action on the important issues of social insurance for farm spouses, land transfer, access to herd numbers, agricultural scheme criteria and a range of other important equality matters.
The report also highlighted the lack of information about women's role in agriculture and pointed out that cultural and attitudinal barriers are one of the key factors inhibiting women in this area. Laws come and go, but attitudes and perceptions can last for generations.
For Mr McManus to dismiss this long overdue and important attitudinal study as "funny" may serve to reinforce the negative attitudes towards farm women that we are so vehemently trying to change. While we all may suffer consultation fatigue, this research study will be a major step on the path to equality and recognition for women in agriculture and should not be treated lightly.
As a key part of this process, the IFA is organising a landmark conference for farm women on October 13th in Croke Park, which will push forward policy change and call for real action in relation to women in agriculture. Perhaps Mr McManus would consider joining us? - Yours, etc.,
MARY CARROLL,
IFA Equality Officer,
Irish Farm Centre,
Dublin 12.