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Cabinet approval sought for national strategy for women and girls

Minister Norma Foley is set to publish the strategy once it secures backing (file image)
Minister Norma Foley is set to publish the strategy once it secures backing (file image)

Cabinet approval will be sought for a new five-year National Strategy for Women and Girls, which will be brought by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley.

It is understood the new strategy is entitled "An Ireland where women and girls can thrive in a gender equal society" and that it seeks to address gender norms, safety, leadership, equal pay, health and caring.

If it secures ministerial backing, the strategy will be published by the Minister at a lunchtime event in Dublin.

Among those due to attend are the Director of the European Institute for Gender Equality, Carlien Scheele; delegates from the National Youth Assembly on Gender Equality; and Lynne Cantwell, the former Irish rugby international and current Head of Women's Strategy in the IRFU.

Also at the launch will be Joanne O’Riordan, activist for people with disabilities; the 2025 BT Young Scientist winners, Ciara, Saoirse and Laoise Murphy; and the Lighthouse Project Choir from Ballymun in Dublin.

Meanwhile Further and Higher Education Minister James Lawless is expected to update Cabinet on his Apprenticeship Expansion Programme 2024.

Almost €13m has already been secured for additional apprenticeships in trades.

A new action plan is being developed for 2026-2030.