Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 July 2013
609. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the present gender balance of the total members of State boards under the aegis of his Department; if the ratio has changed significantly over the course of the present Government's term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36787/13]
View answerThe Programme for Government 2011-2016 includes a commitment to take steps to ensure that all State Boards have at least 40 per cent of each gender. My Department reviews the gender balance of State boards under its auspices and returns are made annually to the Department of Justice and Equality which has a coordinating role in this regard. Prior to the Government taking office, the return on gender balance at 31 December 2010 showed a breakdown as 69% male and 31% female for State Boards under the auspices of the Department. The return at 31 December 2012 showed that the gender balance stood at 65% male and 35% female. The Boards in question were the Civil Defence Board and the Army Pensions Board. Legislation was passed by the Oireachtas in December 2012 for the dissolution of the Civil Defence Board and the transfer of its functions back to the Department of Defence.
The Army Pensions Board comprises 3 members: a chairman, a civilian medical doctor and an officer of the Army Medical Corps. There is currently a vacancy on the Board for a civilian medical doctor. My Department has sought expressions of interest for appointment to this position. The appointment will be based on the necessary professional qualifications, relevant expertise and experience, a balance of skills and attributes, the gender balance of the Board and the availability and commitment of people to serve on the Board.
