Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 8: To ask the Taoiseach the names, occupations and dates of appointment of each of the persons appointed by him to the State boards and agencies under his aegis since June 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17229/04]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 9: To ask the Taoiseach the appointments made by him since June 2002 to the State boards, or other agencies within his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21441/04]

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 10: To ask the Taoiseach the appointments he has made to State boards or other agencies since January 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22481/04]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 to 10, inclusive, together.

The information sought by the Deputies concerning the names of the persons appointed by me to State boards and agencies under my aegis, namely, the Information Society Commission, the National Statistics Board, the Law Reform Commission, the National Centre for Partnership and Performance, the National Economic and Social Council and the National Economic and Social Forum since June 1997 is set out in the following schedule.

The second Information Society Commission was appointed by the Taoiseach on 27 November 2001. The names and occupations of those appointed at that time were:

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Perhaps the Taoiseach might comment regarding the boards and agencies under the control of his Department in the light of the recommendation made several years ago by the then Minister for Equality and Law Reform, the former Labour Deputy, Mervyn Taylor, who directed that State boards should appoint women to 40% of positions. What is the percentage of women appointees to boards and organisations under the aegis of his Department? While he is answering, perhaps he might comment on the distribution of €9,000 watches to selected members of a State board by an outgoing chairman.

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That does not arise on this question.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It seems to have caught the public's attention, and it happened on the Taoiseach's watch, after all.

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The other question was submitted by Deputy Sargent. When he has spoken, there will be a final question for the Taoiseach.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I hope that the Taoiseach will accept my congratulations on his appointments of chair and deputy chair to the NESC, demonstrating perfect gender balance with one man and one woman. However, why were all the other nominees from Departments men? Is he not being listened to or being taken notice of by his other colleagues? Would it be worth reminding them that they must try to implement gender balance themselves rather than leave it up to him?

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In reply to Deputy Kenny's first question, we always try to adhere to that figure, and most of the boards under my Department's control, such as the National Economic and Social Forum, draw from various groups, as Deputies will know from my responses to previous questions. One is therefore dependent on whom they put forward. However, we continually make the point. Some of them are very good, and I believe that the NESF has over 40% women, although some of the others are far below that figure. It is always an issue with the social partnership groups when discussing the make-up of the NESF that we endeavour to get them, while appointing competent men or women, to maintain that balance. We will continue to do that as best we can.

If there is an opportunity to respond on the other matter I will take it.

Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taoiseach will have a bit of time.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taoiseach did not comment on the NESC appointments. Apart from the Taoiseach's nominees, they were all men. Is that something he will stand over?

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The NESC is not a State board and certain groups have nominating rights. I have no control over the nominations and I must accept those made by the various bodies.