My Department will shortly consult relevant organisations on the establishment of the committee to advise on and monitor the role of women in agriculture.
An evaluation on progress made on commitments on equal opportunities under the Operational Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development, OPARDF, has been undertaken on behalf of the OPARDF monitoring committee. Teagasc has consulted women's groups on their training needs and has taken several initiatives aimed at increasing female paticipation in training courses and these activities are also reported to the OPARDF monitoring committee. A major strategic planning initiative entitled "Teagasc 2000", to be completed by Easter 1998, will further address the training requirements of women in agriculture.
Provision has been made for participation by the ICA and the National Women's Council in the recently formed experts group to advise on rural development issues in Agenda 2000.