Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Apr 1998

Vol. 490 No. 1

Written Answers - Women in Agriculture.

Liz McManus

Question:

15 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when it is intended to establish the committee to advise on and monitor the role of women in agriculture; the membership and terms of reference; if it is has produced any reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9409/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

One of the key priorities in An Action Programme for the Millennium is "To recognise the role of women in agriculture by setting up a special advisory committee to advise on and monitor progress, with policy initiatives to support women in agriculture. This will include setting up a network of women in farming, and addressing the specific training requirements of women in agriculture".

As I indicated in an earlier reply to a parliamentary question tabled by Deputy McManus my Department will soon consult relevant organisations and agencies on the establishment of the committee to advise on and monitor the role of women in agriculture. I am anxious however that the proposed committee should build as far as possible on the excellent work already being done by existing groups and agencies and by my Department. In this context I will mention what is already being done in the normal course of events.

The Operational Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development, OPARDF, made important commitments on equal opportunities for women. An evaluation of progress made on these commitments has been undertaken on behalf of the OPARDF monitoring committee. All of my Department's schemes are open equally to men and women, but there may be reasons women are not always in a position to avail fully of all the opportunities offered. Teagasc has consulted women's groups on their training needs and has taken several initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in training courses and these activities are also reported to the OPARDF monitoring committee. A major strategic planning initiative entitled ‘Teagasc 2000' currently being finalised, will further address the training requirements of women in agriculture.

In common with Deputies, I am also conscious of the progress reports of the monitoring committee on the implementation of the recommendations of the Second Commission on the Status of Women and, in particular, the recommendations of the commission in relation to rural women. Provision has also 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.