Written answers

Tuesday, 17 May 2005

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Appointments to State Boards

9:00 pm

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the manner in which it is intended to monitor and ensure enforcement of the recent announcement regarding equal gender representation on State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16165/05]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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In July 2002, the then Minister of State, Deputy Willie O'Dea, wrote to all Ministers requesting them to review the gender balance on the State boards and committees under the aegis of their Departments and to take measures to redress gender imbalances, where the 40% target has not yet been reached. The Minister of State also advised Ministers that, to ensure progress, it was intended to bring a six monthly report to Cabinet on the gender composition of boards for each Department.

Since commencement of the policy of reporting on a six monthly basis to Cabinet, there has been a noticeable improvement, particularly in regard to appointments made by the Government or Ministers. However, where appointments are made on foot of nominations by other bodies, there is still a significant deficit.

When I brought the fourth six-monthly report to Government on women's representation on State boards to Cabinet on 26 January 2005, the Government decided that for the future, nominating bodies will be required to "nominate both male and female options for those appointments to State boards where they are the responsible authority".

The Minister of State, Deputy Fahey, has since written to all Ministers requesting them to put in place the necessary procedures to implement the Government decision. Future six-monthly reports to Government will include specific reference to the implementation by each Department of this decision. My Department has surpassed the 40% target.

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