Vol. 476 No. 3
139 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the nominating bodies to each board under the aegis of his Department; the number of seats to which each of these bodies nominate; and the guidelines or instructions given to nominating bodies to assist in achieving gender balance in line with Government policy. [6968/97]
As Minister for Tourism and Trade, I make appointments directly to the boards of Board Fáilte and An Bord Tráchtála in accordance with the relevant Statutes, without any nominating authority being involved.
With regard to the Council of the State Tourism Training Agency, CERT, I appoint the chairperson and 15 members while the Restaurants Association of Ireland, SIPTU, the Irish Hotels Federation and the Department of Education each nominate one member for appointment. In July 1994, prior to the appointment of a new council, the latter four nominating bodies were formally reminded of the Government's gender balance policy.
140 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the mechanisms used by his Department to ensure that policies, programmes and decisions are proofed to assess their impact on women; the training available to those officials responsible for gender proofing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7001/97]
141 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the initiatives, if any, taken by his Department in 1995 and 1996 which were targeted at women; the budget allocated to each initiative; the actual amount spent on each; the budget for his Department in each of the years 1995 and 1996; and the amount of that budget exclusive of direct staffing and overhead costs. [7017/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.
My Department has the lead responsibility for the formulation of national policy on tourism and trade matters. Its key objectives and strategies aim at helping Ireland's exporters and tourism operators to enhance their foreign earnings capabilities and to strengthen themselves in the marketplace at home and abroad. As such, the focus is on developing business activity and is, therefore, gender neutral. No particular initiative required to be targeted at women as a result.
Information on my Department's budgets for 1995 and 1996 is available in the "Revised Estimates for Public Services" for each of these years. Internally, my Department operates a policy of equal opportunity in respect of all aspects of personnel procedure including appointments, promotions, training and development. Officials develop their expertise in this area through external networking and on-the-job training.
