Sometimes a bargain outfit from Penneys is more important than women’s rights, I guess.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin turned down a request to appear before an Oireachtas committee tackling gender equality on the grounds that he is too busy.

According to the Irish Examiner, the committee hoped to discuss the issue of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence with the Taoiseach and address recommendations made in in the Report of the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality.

He was invited to appear before the committee on October 20, but the invitation also stated he could meet the committee on another date that suited him.

The response from the Taoiseach’s office read, “[Martin] thanks the committee for the kind invitation, which unfortunately he is unable to accept as a result of an extremely heavy work schedule over the coming months.”

Of course, the job of the Taoiseach is a busy one. We can’t expect him to accept every single invitation he receives, as the most important events must get priority. You know, the like opening of a new Penneys in Tallaght.

Schedules are obviously always changing, and Martin may simply have been lucky and had time to head to the new Penney’s. However, declining to speak about gender equality in your country while making time to go bargain hunting in Tallaght isn’t the best look.

Members of the committee are said to be “very disappointed” by the response. They hope Martin will reconsider and make himself available for an alternative date.

Chief executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Noeline Blackwell said, “It’s important that the whole question of gender equality isn’t seen as a niche area for the equality minister and it’s a whole-of-government approach.”

Elsewhere on District: Daniel O’Donnell is selling his Dublin penthouse