Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 3

Written Answers. - Gender Equality.

Helen Keogh

Question:

152 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will provide a report on the mechanisms used for gender proofing the Operational Programmes under the Community Support Framework in respect of programmes for rural development; the way in which this gender proofing is working; and the way in which it has made a difference to rural development programmes. [6944/97]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The Operational Programme for Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry (OPARDF) contains a number of actions to be carried out to ensure implementation of the Government's specific commitment in the Community Support Framework aimed at the elimination of any possible discrimination against women and at achievement of full equality between men and women. The actions involve: collection of all data where appropriate, on a gender basis; facility for the social partners to report on any instances of indirect discrimination in the eligibility criteria of schemes operated; greater action by Teagasc in promoting participation by women in all of their courses and continued aid to the National Co-op for Farm Relief services to help further develop its services, including the provision of home relief-childcare facilities where potential for this is identified.

Progress made in all of these areas is reported on to the monitoring committee of the OPARDF which meets twice yearly. Most of the schemes being implemented under the OP are demand led and equally open to men and women. However, as regards the first action above, the reports naturally show a low level of female participation in the main capital investment schemes because of the historical fact that the transfer of land through inheritance is mainly to men. An equally important aspect of course, is the fact that many farms are run on a partnership basis and involve a high level of participation and decision-making by women.

As regards the second action, the social partners were specifically asked to address this issue in 1996 and reported no discrimination.

In relation to the third action, it has been acknowledged that Teagasc has made substantial progress in promoting equal opportunities for women in their training programmes. This has been achieved by holding courses specifically for rural women on rural enterprise opportunities and community leadership. Twenty-one of these type of courses were held for 472 women in 1996. In addition, a further 48 courses covering 1,104 women on other topics requested by women were held in 1996. Teagasc is also involved in a corporate gender proofing programme to promote the greater participation by women in the organisation as a whole.

On the fourth action above, a pilot programme is under way as regards the provisions of home relief-children facilities but it is too soon to say whether this type of project has long-term viability.

Finally, under the OPARDF, an independent analysis and evaluation unit was set up in 1995 to evaluate the OP. Their work programme for January-June 1997 includes the carrying out of a study to assess the progress achieved under the the OP to date in relation to equal opportunities may be required in relation to any recent developments in this area.

The Operating Rules which have been introduced under the operational programme for the implementation of the Leader II programme require approved groups to take account of equality of opportunity in assessing applications for aid and these rules direct groups not to grant aid a project whose promoter operates or is considered likely to operate after the project is completed a policy of discrimination against persons on grounds of gender etc., even if no complaint is made about the discrimination. Boards of Leader groups are required to have a target of at least 40 per cent female directors over the life of the programme.

I understand that these arrangements are working well. The independent mid-term review report found that at present 21 per cent of directors of Leader II boards are women; this is likely to increase as arrangements for rotation of board members takes effect. Of the private individuals who have benefited from Leader II funding, it was found that approximately 37 per cent are female and 15 per cent are joint beneficiaries.

Helen Keogh

Question:

153 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when the Government intends to implement recommendation 6.5.2 of the report of the Commission of the Status of Women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6962/97]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The recommendation refers to "support of multi-functional centres in the context of community care and rural development".

In so far as rural development is concerned a major emphasis in the Leader programme relates to community development and Leader groups are obliged to undertake animation, capacity building and training measures in support of this objective. Leader groups are encouraged to ensure maximum participation of women both on their boards and as project promoters.

The Minister of State, Deputy Deenihan, has established a Rural Development Policy Advisory Group to assist him in examining rural development issues and in framing a strategy for the future of rural areas. The report of this group will be completed shortly and its findings including those on the role of women in rural development and the recommendations in other relevant reports will be considered in drawing up the strategy.