John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

Section 9(3) provides that the Minister shall, in so far as is practicable and having regard to the relevant experience of the persons concerned, ensure an equitable balance between men and women in the composition of the authority. I have reflected on the issues raised by Senator Feighan and while I agree with the thrust of his proposal, I will not accept his amendment.

However, I am extremely keen to include a greater number of women on State boards. I recognise there are a number of very successful women in the field of sport, business and finance, who could bring a wealth of experience to the operation of a national sports campus development authority. I fully intend to avail of the knowledge and capacity that such people could bring to the board or authority. At present, as the Senator is aware, it is Government policy that membership of State boards should have a target of 40% female participation. It is my intention to meet that target because I recognise the impact gender balance can bring to the operation of boards.

However, I must note that sometimes difficulties have been encountered even in meeting the present target. The present wording of section 9(3) refers to "an equitable balance". This is a phrasing which permits what the Senator sought and more, while simultaneously leaving some flexibility to allow for a practical solution and to avoid binding a Minister who may find that he or she is without a sufficient pool of suitable candidates of either gender. The alternative proposed by this amendment is overly prescriptive.