Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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587. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the present gender balance of the total members of State boards under the aegis of his Department; if the ratio has changed significantly over the course of the present Government's term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36793/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The gender balance of State boards under my aegis is monitored annually by my Department for progress in reaching a target of at least 40% representation of both sex. This target was reiterated by the present Government in its Programme for National Recovery 2011 - 2016 and in a Government decision in December last. Early in its term, the new Government approved a transparency proposal in April 2011 requiring future vacancies on State boards to be advertised on relevant Department websites as well as directing attention to Government policy on gender balance on State boards.

The table shows the representation of women and men on State boards under the aegis of the Department of Justice and Equality from 2008 to 2011. The figures show the numbers on boards at years end excluding any vacancies.The figures for 2012 are being compiled at present and will be presented to Government shortly.

Although still below the 40% target set, the figure for 2011 shows a noticeable and welcome improvement over previous years in the representation of women on boards under the aegis of my Department. I will continue to monitor progress and report to Government while being mindful of the commitment in the Programme for Government in making future appointments to State boards under my auspices.

Department of Justice and Equality Gender Balance on State Boards