Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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661. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the present gender balance of the total members of State boards under the aegis of her Department; if the ratio has changed significantly over the course of the present Government's term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36785/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I would like to inform the Deputy there are four agencies which are funded by the Exchequer through my Department's Vote. These are the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI); the Family Support Agency (FSA); the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) and the Ombudsman for Children's Office (OCO). With effect from 1 January 2012, I have taken responsibility for the Children Detention Schools as provided in Part 10 of the Children Act 2001.

Apart from the Ombudsman for Children's Office which does not have a board, I am responsible for all Board of Management appointments.

In making my decisions on appointments to Boards, subject to the governing legislation, I consider the most suitable persons for the positions available with due regard to the body or agency in question and its particular responsibilities and I seek to ensure that the appropriate mix of skills and experience is in place to achieve the best result.

As at 18July, 2013, the gender balance for the Boards under the aegis of my Department is 37% male and 63% female. The corresponding figures at 31 December 2011 were 48% male and 52% female.

I am satisfied that the gender balance ratio on the Boards under my remit has not changed significantly over the course of the current Government term.