Vol. 424 No. 5
38 Mrs. Fennell asked the Taoiseach the number of women on the boards of agencies and companies under his control at the end of 1991; the plans, if any, he has to increase the number in 1992; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I exercise the right of appointment, in part or in full, to the boards of a total of 15 agencies and companies. All such bodies had female board members, totalling 42, at the end of 1991.
The Government are committed to advancing the status of women in Irish society by various means, including increasing the numbers of women on State boards. The Government are thereby taking account of a specific recommendation put forward in the first statement to Government submitted by the Second Commission on the Status of Women.
In making board appointments in 1992, I have borne in mind the women recommended by various sources, including the National Women's Talent Bank, Network (the organisation of women in business) and WITS (Women in Technology and Science).
In July 1992, I wrote to my Cabinet colleagues to encourage the achievement of a greater level of progress in appointing women to State boards and I am continuing to monitor all such appointments.
I can assure the House that any nominations to be added to my Department's records of women qualified to serve on State boards are always welcome and will be considered at the appropriate time.
