Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, since he took office, the number of persons appointed to boards, working groups, committees and any other body comprising nominees from organisations under the aegis of his Department; the number of such appointees who were women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10929/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The five statutory agencies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social and Family Affairs are the Pensions Board, the Combat Poverty Agency, Comhairle, the Family Support Agency and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department.

Since my appointment as Minister for Social and Family Affairs, I have appointed 17 persons to the Pensions Board, of whom eight are women; two to the board of the Combat Poverty Agency, both of whom are women; six to the board of Comhairle, of whom two are women; eight to the board of the Family Support Agency, of whom six are women. I have not yet made any appointments to the Social Welfare Tribunal.

When making appointments to the various agencies I take into consideration the experience, skills and suitability of the individuals concerned having regard to the functions of the board or agency. I also consider the requirements of Government policy on gender balance for membership of State boards.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Although other State agencies are not tackling the gender balance issue, I am pleased the Minister is taking it into consideration in his departmental appointments. Women have a major contribution to make to all State boards. I am delighted the Minister is living up to his responsibility.