175 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for Social Welfare 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.

There are two statutory agencies under the control of my Department, namely the Pensions Board and the Combat Poverty Agency and women are well represented on them. At the end of 1991 five out of 13 members of the Pensions Board were women, including the chairperson. Most members of the board are representative of interest groups or organisations who nominate their own members. Also at the end of 1991 six out of 12 members of the Combat Poverty Agency were women.

In the filling of any vacancies on these agencies within my own discretion, full consideration will be given to the appointment of women, as it has been in the past. Where nominating organisations are concerned I would expect them to do likewise.

The non-statutory National Pensions Board, which preceded the Pensions Board is still in existence and is completing its final report to me on pension matters. There is one woman on this board.