Half of state boards ‘will be women’

The Government yesterday committed to ensuring almost half of the membership on all state boards in future are women, as it launched a transparent process for appointments to agencies and bodies.

Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin said the new guidelines marked “a sea change” in the way appointments are made.

The changes came after the Coalition faced criticism last year when it appointed a failed local election candidate to a museum board ahead of a nomination for the Seanad on the culture panel.

Donegal businessman John McNulty was assigned to the board of IMMA and, two weeks later, confirmed as Fine Gael’s Seanad by-election candidate.

Mr Howlin said:

“There will be independent vetting of all candidates and a shortlist drawn up independently by the [Public Appointments Service] and given to the line minister for final selection.”

A website, stateboards.ie, will carry details of board vacancies. Users can apply through the site. Ministers will still have discretion in deciding appointments for some agencies.

Up to 40% of positions on boards will now be allocated to women under the changes. Agencies are also encouraged to reach a 45% target after that.

Louise Glennon, National Women’s Council, said the guidelines represent a great opportunity for women.