Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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750. To ask the Minister for Health 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. [36791/13]

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 current membership of State boards under the aegis of my Department is well balanced, with 56% of the membership being male and 44% female, some individual boards do not yet have a balance of 40% of each gender. These figures have remained largely unchanged over the last five years. In so far as possible when making appointments to such boards, I will endeavour to ensure an appropriate balance between men and women.