Trevor Sargent
Question:136 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of women involved on the board of State or semi-State agencies; and the proportion in relation to overall numbers. [10128/98]
Written Answers. - Semi-State Bodies.
Michael Ferris
Question:139 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whether he monitors the composition of State boards by gender; if so, the latest figures and the figure for July 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11533/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 139 together.
My Department monitors the position of women on State boards on a quarterly basis. At end March 1998, according to the analysis done in my Department, women constituted 28 per cent of total membership of State boards and 35 per cent of ministerial-Government nominees. Women comprised 23 per cent of chairs of such boards. At end June 1997, women constituted 28 per cent of total membership and 36 per cent of ministerial-Government nominees. Women comprised 17 per cent of chairs of boards.
I intend to continue the policy objective of gender balance on State boards, with a minimum target of 40 per cent of women and men in direct appointments. I will also continue to encourage nominating bodies to adopt a similar policy. It is also Government policy that Ministers should endeavour to have a minimum of 40 per cent of both men and women among the chairs of boards of State bodies.