Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 2

Written Answers. - State Board Representatives.

John Bruton

Question:

59 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on the fact that none of the elected employee representatives to State boards under her aegis is female; and if she will raise this matter with the trade unions representing employees in these companies in order that the concerns and needs of women employees will be adequately represented on State boards. [22686/97]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The Deputy will be aware that appointments to boards of State bodies as specified under the Worker Participation (State Enterprises) Acts, 1977 to 1988, are made following the due processs of election as required by the Acts. I do not have any function in relation to the process of election. The specified bodies under the aegis of my Department are Bord na Móna, Coras Iompair Éireann, Electricity Supply Board, Aer Lingus, Aer Rianta, Telecom Éireann and An Post.

I am pleased, however, to inform the Deputy that one of the four employee representatives, whom I appointed to the board of Coras Iompair Éireann on 1 December 1997, is a female. While I have considerable sympathy with the sentiments underlying the question, I do not consider that it would be appropriate for me as Minister to intervene in the electoral process as set out under legislation on this matter.