Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39155/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Government decision S21590E of March, 1995 regarding the appointment of women to State Bodies states that there is a requirement for a minimum of 40% of both men and women appointed as Ministerial representatives to all State Bodies. Although the overall membership of State boards under the aegis of my Department is well balanced, with 57% of the membership being male and 43% female, some individual boards do not have a balance of 40% of each gender. In so far as possible, when making appointments to such boards I will endeavour to ensure an appropriate balance between men and women.