Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018
264. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the work of a group (details supplied) established to report on actions to increase the percentage of women on corporate boards and in senior management in leading companies here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48060/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 30 July, the Taoiseach, Minister Flanagan and I announced the establishment of a new business-led group, Better Balance for Better Business. The group will have the task of identifying a programme of actions to be taken by Government and by business to increase the percentage of women on corporate boards and in senior management in leading Irish companies. It will engage with companies to make the case for change and will report annually on progress. The group is looking initially at companies listed on the Main Securities Market and the Enterprise Securities Market of Euronext Dublin (formerly the Irish Stock Exchange). It is gathering information on the gender makeup of boards of such companies and of a selection of other leading companies including multinationals.
The group is assisted by an Advisory Group, consisting of representatives of major business organisations and key stakeholder interests.
The group will make recommendations in its first report which will be in Q1 2019. The report will set progressive targets to 2023 for the achievement of improved gender balance on the boards and in senior management of companies. It will report annually thereafter, monitoring progress and developments.
