DOES IRISH DEMOCRACY REPRESENT EVERYONE? 26 REFLECT ON YOUR LEARNING UNDERSTAND
1. Name and explain two ways in which women are under-represented in Irish democracy. 2. Are non-citizens represented enough in Irish democracy? Give a reason for your answer.
3. In what way does the low number of elected Travellers and the low voter turnout of Travellers in elections affect how Travellers are represented?
4. How might someone’s social background impact on how they are represented in Irish democracy?
5. What changes were made to election rules around gender in 2012?
6. How have those changes affected the number of women becoming involved in Irish democracy since 2012?
DISCUSS
Have a short discussion (5–10 minutes) in pairs or groups on whether you agree with the idea of gender quotas (or any other type of quota) for elections.
Listen to each other carefully and note down any good points that you had not considered.
Report back to your teacher and the class on what you discussed and whether you mostly agreed or disagreed, stating why.
RESPONSE JOURNAL
REFLECT Visit page 105 of your Response Journal to complete your end-of-topic reflection and see how your knowledge has developed.
