Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 Jun 1993

Vol. 433 No. 1

Written Answers. - Sex Equality in Agriculture Sector.

Liz McManus

Question:

71 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the action, if any, he intends to take to address the particular imbalance against women in the agricultural sector and rural areas generally; if he will consider targeting access for women for funds for all EC and nationally funded initiatives such as Leader; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

The programmes operated by my Department apply equally to men and women. Women are eligible to apply under all measures and to avail of grant aid provided that they qualify under the eligibility criteria.

My Department is currently examining the recommendations of the Second Commission on the Status of Women report. I will be taking the recommendations into consideration in formulating future policy including that in relation to programmes under the Structural Funds.