John Bruton
Question:1 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach his views on the recommendation of the Second Commission on the Status of Women that women's interests should be properly represented on the NESC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Representation of Women's Interests on NESC.
I have noted the recommendation referred to by the Deputy. I would point out that all the social partners represented on the NESC represent, among their members, both men and women. This is particularly true of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the National Youth Council of Ireland who represent very large numbers of women. The commission has separately recommended that the social partners should give greater representation to women in their activities and, in accordance with that recommendation, could include more women in their representation in the NESC. They should consider this particularly because of the five independent members nominated by the Government, two are women, amounting to the 40 per cent representation by women which the commission has generally recommended as a minimum representation on State boards.
The present mandate of the NESC falls to be renewed in November 1994 and, in that context, the question of how women's interests might be better represented on the NESC will be considered, in conjunction with the social partners and in the light of the commission's recommendation.
Is the Taoiseach aware that only three of the 26 members of the National Economic and Social Council are women and that only one of the representatives of the social partners is a woman? Is the Taoiseach willing to consider giving women's organisations direct representation on the NESC?
I would point out that of the five independent members nominated by the Government two are women and this complies with the 40 per cent recommendation of the report of the Second Commission on the Status of Women. The mandate of the National Economic and Social Council will be renewed in 1994 and the question raised by the Deputy will certainly be considered between now and then to see how best representation for women can be effected on the NESC. It is a matter for the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the National Youth Council of Ireland and other organisations to include more women in their nominations to the NESC.
What obstacle is there in the way of the Taoiseach deciding, even in the immediate future, to act on this recommendation of the commission to allow women's representatives to represent women's organisations on the NESC as of the next meeting?
I have already responded to that question. I said we will consider ways and means of improving the position between now and 1994 when the mandate comes up for renewal.
In the context of the composition of the National Economic and Social Council has the Taoiseach any proposals in mind to ensure that women who operate in the regions as opposed to Dublin-based women will be represented? Bearing in mind that there are regional development policies at every level, will the Taoiseach acknowledge that this is an ideal opportunity to involve women who are doing great work in the regions but who do not always find their way onto membership of these bodies, and what steps will he take in this regard?
I concur with the Deputy that there are very fine women throughout the regions who make a significant contribution to regional and national development. I will certainly advocate at every opportunity that those organisations represented on the National Economic and Social Council consider putting forward more women nominations for inclusion on its board. The Government has met its requirements under the recommendations in the report of the Second Commission on the Status of Women and we will certainly do everything possible to encourage other organisations to do likewise.
Will the Taoiseach confirm that there is a recommendation in the commission's report that the Government should require nominating bodies to practise a gender balance policy similar to that adopted by the Government in terms of the 40 per cent quota in relation to nominations to State boards?
I have already responded in that context. Certainly, we will advocate to all organisations with representation on the National Economic and Social Council, and other bodies, that they comply with the recommendations in the report of the Second Commission on the Status of women.
Mr. J. Bruton rose.
I want very much to go on to another question.
Deputy John Bruton, perhaps a final supplementary.
Is the Taoiseach saying he is willing to give women direct representation through women's organisations on the National Economic and Social Council before the mandate expires for the existing NESC, or is he saying he will wait until the mandate expires to consider taking action?
The Deputy is well aware that the various bodies that make nominations to the National Economic and Social Council are independent in their own right. Is he seriously suggesting that we direct those bodies to withdraw their representation?
I am talking about women's organisations.
The Deputy knows well who controls those bodies. Are we to remove the people they have, and have them immediately replaced? That is not a practical proposition and the Deputy knows it.
The Taoiseach did not listen to the question, not for the first time.