Brendan Howlin
Question:14 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications if there are any vacancies on any of the boards under his control; the plans, if any, he has to fill those vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State Boards Membership.
Brendan Howlin
Question:27 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications the number of women who are on the boards of companies under his control; the plans, if any, he has to increase that number; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 27 together.
There are currently no vacancies on the boards of any of the bodies under my control. Following are the numbers of women on the boards of the companies under my control: An Post, 1; Bord Telecom Éireann, 2; Radio Telefís Éireann, 2; Independent Radio and Television Commission, 2.
When the question of filling vacancies in any of these bodies arises I will consider all suitable candidates regardless of sex.
What percentage of appointments to those boards do women represent in general terms?
I will give the Deputy the numbers rather than the percentages. In the case of An Post there is one appointment out of 15; in Telecom Éireann, two appointments out of 12; in RTE, two out of nine, and on the Independent Radio and Television Commission, two out of ten.
I would like to thank the Minister for that information but I should like to ask him to address what is clearly an imbalance in the composition of boards should vacancies arise. Will the Minister give priority consideration to women applicants for those positions?
I will do so so far as possible. I am sure the House will share the view that I should consider all suitable candidates regardless of sex. It is Government policy to, as far as possible, find suitably qualified women who are willing to serve on such boards.