Mary Upton
Ceist:145 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will establish a permanent women in agriculture division in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24462/03]
Written Answers. - Women in Agriculture.
The advisory group on the role of women in agriculture, which had its origins in the White Paper on Rural Development, published its report in September 2000. The advisory group's report contained 36 recommendations in total, covering a broad range of policy and operational areas, relating to 19 Departments and agencies. These areas were: statistical evaluation of women farmers; employment and training; information technology; social inclusion; representation, and personal finance.
Action was taken, in as far as practicable, on the individual recommendations in the advisory group's report. It is clear from an analysis of the recommendations that the report's main thrust was concerned with issues affecting women in rural areas. The establishment of a women in agriculture division in my Department was not among the recommendations.
The establishment of a National Rural Development Forum, which meets in open session twice a year, provides a forum for continued attention to many of the issues raised in the advisory group's report. It should also be noted that, subsequent to the publication of the report, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs was established. In addition, elements of the report were incorporated into the National Plan for Women published in 2002 by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. My Department is currently preparing a report on progress across all recommendations in the advisory group's report on the role of women in agriculture.