Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on the gender balance of agencies coming under the auspices of her Department; and when she will carry out a review of these bodies in terms of gender balance. [6984/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There are six statutory bodies under the aegis of my Department: An Bord Bia; Coford; Coillte; Irish National Stud; National Milk Agency and Teagasc. There are currently a total of 69 persons serving on the boards of these bodies, including chairpersons, of whom 12 are women.

I do not have full discretion in relation to appointments to some boards as some appointments are made on the basis of nominations by relevant organisations, in accordance with legislation. While appointments to the boards are made on the basis of technical competence and experience, it is my aim to achieve a reasonable gender balance in this regard.