Since May 2011, a notification was placed on my Department’s website inviting expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the boards of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department. Also on 7th September this year I placed an advertisement in the National papers inviting expressions of interest. Such persons can submit a short note or CV through stateboardvacancies@agriculture.gov.ie. These applications will be considered when appointments are being made to any of these boards. It is hoped that this will provide me with a wide range of applicants, including women, with the appropriate mix of skills and experience in the relevant area of work. It should be pointed out that certain appointments to State Bodies under the aegis of my Department are made on the nomination of Representative Bodies.