Parties are set to lose funding in the next general election if at least 30pc of their candidates aren't female, under new legislation introduced by the Minister for Environment and Local Government, Phil Hogan.

Proponents of the legislation argue that the new rules are needed, as the current way of doing things hasn't achieved the necessary representation of women in politics. Opponents say it undermines the credibility of women who are elected, as they'll be perceived as being there solely to make up the numbers.

So will gender quotas lead to electoral equality or do they suggest women can't get there on merit? 

Sarah was live at the Women in Media conference in Kilcooly's Country House, Ballybunion, Co Kerry on Saturday. Her panel was:

• Phil Prendergast, Labour MEP for Ireland South,
• Mary O’Rourke, former Education Minister and Fianna Fáil TD for Longford-Westmeath,
• Senator Marie Moloney, Labour Party Senator. Of the 11 Oireachtas members from Kerry, Marie is the only woman.

You can listen back to the show below, or download it by searching for 'Talking Point Panel Discussion' on your podcast app. For more from Talking Point, follow us on Twitter: @talkingpointnt.

Talking Point with Sarah Carey broadcasts live every Saturday at 1:00pm on Newstalk 106-108fm.