Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I understand the points of view expressed by the Senators and this issue has arisen before. I agree with much of what has been proposed however the problem is it may be somewhat impractical. I am confident we can work towards the equitable balance referred to in the Bill.

Appointments to a body may not always be at the discretion of the Government as they may be nominees of representative bodies. Given those circumstances I cannot accept the amendment. When this issue was raised on Committee Stage in the Dáil, I undertook to ask the Taoiseach to write to the nominating bodies to convey the views of the select committee on the matter of gender balance. I wish to advise that such a letter issued on 31 august 2005. I note that the board of the National Economic and Social Development Office consists of three women and three men which gives 50% representation to women. Not all bodies are as good as that. In my time as Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with special responsibility for labour affairs, consumer rights and international trade I had a role in making appointments and I endeavoured to work towards gender balance. To the best of my knowledge every Minister or Minister of State who is in such a position does that. In some areas one is effectively asking a nominating body to nominate a person. It is difficult to deal with that issue. Does one ask one body to nominate a female member and another body to nominate a male member? That is one of the practical problems. I cannot go any further than to reassure the House that the Government is aware of the position. The Taoiseach has written, as requested by Members of the other House from the Senator's party, to the nominating bodies to convey the views of the select committee on gender balance.