Madam, - Gemma Hussey's article on the childcare needs of working parents (Opinion & Analysis, December 29th) was most welcome, after the polarised letters about what Mary Robinson said or did not say about women working outside the home.
Ms Hussey rightly points out that this society is serving young families with children very badly. She makes many practical suggestions to improve the lives of these fathers and, especially, mothers, who lead very stressed lives.
But there are others who are faring badly. According to a report by Eithne Donellan (The Irish Times, January 3rd), the Women's Health Council has produced a position paper on care-giving, pointing out that the burden of caring normally falls on women whose careers, income and health all suffer as a result. This means, in turn, that women are at greater risk of poverty in their old age.
Mary Harney, Minister for Health and Children, is intent on helping elderly people remain in their homes as long as they possibly can, which is what most desire. This is to be applauded, and let us hope she supports the Women's Health Council proposals for increased help for carers.
The increase in the number of women in the workforce has greatly boosted economic progress but a toll has been taken on women who are trying to juggle being mothers, carers and workers.
Ms Hussey is right to say we need to re-ignite the anger we had in the 1970s and insist on more support where it is needed. Irish families are very small now. We should be applauding those who bring up the next generation, not neglecting them.
Finally, still only 13 per cent of those in national politics are women. I feel like throwing my apron over my head and retreating into the back kitchen. But there is no one there to talk to; so, like all the other women who campaigned decades ago to get more women into political life where their contribution is badly needed, I had better get going again and encourage other men and women to do the same. - Yours, etc,
Senator MARY HENRY, Seanad Éireann, Dublin 2.