I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 23, 25, 26 and 43 together.
I would, first, refer the Deputies to my statements in the House on 26 February last on the Report of the Commission on the Status of Women. As I indicated then, I am having the recommendations in the commission's report examined with the objective of deciding on priorities for implementation. This work is well in hand and I intend, on foot of consultation with the other Government Ministers, to establish a programme for implementation of a first tranche or recommendations. I would envisage that a monitoring committee, with appropriate terms of reference, to facilitate implementation of the programme would be set up.
Alongside this process, the Government has taken the initiative directly on a number of equality issues. For example, measures are being taken to achieve the objective in the Programme for Government that there be a minimum of 40 per cent of both men and women among the direct Government nominees on State boards and to improve the overall gender balance of such boards. Also, I hope to table a Bill on adoptive leave in the coming months.