David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 19:

In page 43, to delete line 29 and substitute the following:"(b) not fewer than 9 and not more than 12 ordinary members, not less than one third of which shall be female and two thirds male, or not less than one third male and two thirds female.".

Both amendments have two sentiments behind them and are in respect of the Pensions Board and the new pensions council. The first relates to a gender balance on the board and an increase in members from nine to 12 ordinary members. We are appointing ordinary members to boards so we should, where possible, seek to have a proper gender balance. We had a good discussion with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government not long ago on gender quotas for general elections. I hope to see similar quotas in place for local elections, although that was not the case on that occasion and we will continue work towards it. In the case of appointees to boards, it is important we get a representative view from across society and, unfortunately, we do not have gender balance on many boards. That is unfortunate so where we can, we should put in place gender quotas, and that is what we seek to do in amendment No. 19.

Amendment No. 20 allows for a minimum number of people to represent those who would be affected by changes. We are talking about older people, those with disabilities, women and vulnerable groups. We should be able to get the view from advocates of those groups who are dependent on pensions. They are experts in many cases.