Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 3

Written Answers. - Ministerial Appointments.

Michael D'Arcy

Ceist:

54 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the appointment of women to boards and agencies under her auspices; if she proposes to abide by Government policy of having at least 40 per cent female representation through future appointments made by her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15740/98]

Frances Fitzgerald

Ceist:

70 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the appointment of women to boards and agencies under her auspices; and if she proposes to abide by Government policy of having at least 40 per cent female representation through future appointments made by her. [15738/98]

Monica Barnes

Ceist:

72 Mrs. Barnes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the appointment of women to boards and agencies under her auspices; if she proposes to abide by Government policy of having at least 40 per cent female representation through future appointments made by her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15739/98]

Nora Owen

Ceist:

92 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the appointment of women to boards and agencies under her auspices; and if she proposes to abide by Government policy of appointing at least 40 per cent female representation through future appointments made by her. [15753/98]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 70, 72 and 92 together.

I am conscious of Government policy in relation to female representation on State boards and I assure the Deputy that I am most anxious that gender balance on such boards should be achieved.

However, it is at least as important that due regard should be given to experience and calibre when considering appointments to these boards. Where women of the calibre and relevant experience are available, I would be happy to consider them for appointment. Since coming to office I have a good track record for appointing good people, both male and female. Moreover, I have retained those appointed by my predecessor where I felt it important to do so.

With specific regard to female representation I recently appointed a woman to chair the Small Business Forum, the group which advises Government about small business issues. Also, I appointed the first ever female Rights Commissioner attached to the Labour Court, while three of the five members of the Minimum Wage Commission were female, as was the chairperson.