Vol. 562 No. 1
132 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the steps he intends to take to ensure that appointments made to semi-State companies, boards or agencies operating under the aegis of his Department are consistent with Government policy of a minimum of 40% of each gender, having regard to the fact that his Department has never achieved a level of more than 20% during the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5365/03]
My main aim in making appointments to semi-State companies, boards or agencies operating under the aegis of my Department is to select persons with the required qualities and attributes to make a contribution to the body in question. I am mindful of the Government's commitment to achieving a greater gender balance on the boards of State bodies. In that regard, in considering candidates for appointment to State bodies under my aegis, I will continue to bear in mind the desirability of increasing the representation of women on State bodies, as well as the requirements of the particular positions concerned.
