Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Oct 1992

Vol. 424 No. 2

Written Answers. - Appointment of Women on State Bodies.

Nuala Fennell

Question:

146 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the number of women on the boards of agencies and companies under her control at the end of 1991; the plans, if any, she has to increase the number in 1992; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

The position regarding female representation on the boards of agencies and companies under my control at the end of 1991 was as follows: Aer Lingus, 2; Aer Rianta, 0; An Post, 1; Bord Fáilte, 2; Bord Telecom, 2; CIE, 0; Independent Radio and Television Commission, 2; RTE, 3.

Since that time I have had the opportunity to appoint the seven members of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission and three of these appointees are women.

As you know, the boards of state-sponsored bodies have a strategic role to play in public policy-making and it is therefore important to increase female membership to allow women full participation in the economic and social life of the country. For this reason I am very committed to improving the current situation and it is my practice to examine the availability of suitable female candidates when filling vacancies on boards and companies under my control.