Seán Fleming
Question:5. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach if he is satisfied with the number of women currently serving on State boards under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10357/14]
View answerTuesday, 4 March 2014
Questions (5)
Written answers
In accordance with Government policy, I support the objective of ensuring that State boards have at least 40% representation from each gender.
In relation to the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) appointments are made in accordance with the provisions of the NESDO Act 2006 as amended by the NESC (Alteration of Composition) Order 2010. Currently 26% of the members of the NESC are women. Most of the members of the NESC are appointed on the basis of nominations received from business and employer organisations, ICTU, farming and agricultural interests, the environmental sector and the community and voluntary sector. These sectors are encouraged to reflect gender balance when making their nominations.
Under this legislation, the Taoiseach may also appoint eight independent members. Since March 2011, I have appointed 8 such members, comprising four women and four men, following careful consideration of the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise relevant to the functions of the Council as required by the legislation.
The Taoiseach may also appoint 6 public servants, typically at Secretary General level, from my own Department and from the Departments of Finance, Education and Skills, Environment, Community and Local Government and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to ensure NESC's work is integrated with Government policy-making.
In relation to the National Statistics Board (NSB), four positions on the Board are currently filled. Of these, one, the Chairperson, is a woman. The three remaining members are, in accordance with legislation, an Assistant Secretary from the Department of the Taoiseach and an Assistant Secretary from the Department of Finance, and the Director General of the CSO on an ex officio basis.
There are currently four unfilled positions on the Board, which will be filled shortly. Expressions of interest were invited for positions on the NSB, these were advertised on the websites of the Department of the Taoiseach and the NSB.