142 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for Education the number of women on the boards of agencies and companies under his control at the end of 1991; the plans, if any, he has to increase the number in 1992; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The information sought in relation to the number of women on the boards of agencies and companies is attached.

I shall be seeking to ensure greater representation by women in any future appointments to these boards.

As regards my general policy on gender equity I refer the Deputy to the recently published Green Paper "Education for a Changing World". In this there is a specific commitment to the effect that all Boards of Management in schools will aim at a gender balance in their membership and to have not less than a minimum representation from each sex.

Moreover, in the two most recent Acts I introduced, the Regional Technical Colleges Act and Dublin Institute of Technology Act special responsibility is placed on the Minister for Education in making appointments to the governing bodies to ensure an appropriate gender balance.