One of the key priorities in An Action Programme for the Millennium is "To recognise the role of women in agriculture by setting up a special advisory committee to advise on and monitor progress, with policy initiatives to support women in agriculture. This will include setting up a network of women in farming, and addressing the specific training requirements of women in agriculture".
As I indicated in an earlier reply to a parliamentary question tabled by Deputy McManus my Department will soon consult relevant organisations and agencies on the establishment of the committee to advise on and monitor the role of women in agriculture. I am anxious however that the proposed committee should build as far as possible on the excellent work already being done by existing groups and agencies and by my Department. In this context I will mention what is already being done in the normal course of events.