Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I am conscious the Acting Chairman probably has a particular interest in the amendment. The Government has a long-standing policy of State boards in principle having at least 40% of members of each gender. That is, however, a policy statement as opposed to a legal requirement. In the interests of flexibility, particularly in this area, I would hesitate to impose a legal requirement of this nature because it would introduce a strong element of inflexibility. This does not alter the fact that in I am in general terms supportive of Government policy in this regard or that more needs to be done to fulfil it across the board.