As reported on page 98 of the report of the Select Committee on Legislation and Security, I stated that a strategy of positive action has also been set in train to achieve gender balance for the next four years in appointments to boards of State bodies. That reflects the decision of the Government that for the next four year period, being the period nominated by the Commission on the Status of Women, new boards must have a minimum representation of 40 per cent of each sex and that if the new appointments do not tend towards that minimum percentage, the Minister must give an explanation to the Government of its plans for achieving the gender balance required. As far as I am aware, that commitment has been strictly adhered to in every respect. I have monitored the position at Government. It has been complied with and will continue to be complied with. It must be remembered that we are referring to Government nominees. Many outside bodies have nominating rights to State and other boards. The Government at present has no direct control in that regard. However, the Government requests nominating bodies — county managers in respect of county enterprise boards — to adhere where possible to that gender requirement. I will continue to monitor the position and if outside bodies are not meeting that requirement, legislation might have to be considered in that context.
