Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock

Women 'talent bank' to improve gender balance on state boards

Last year, female representation on state boards stood at 36.2%.

THE GOVERNMENT WANTS more women sitting on state boards and is developing a “talent bank of women” who would be prepared to serve on them.

Last year, female representation on state boards stood at 36.2%, falling short of the 1993 target set to have a minimum of 40%.

The Department of Justice has approved new measures to promote  promote gender balance on state boards, by launching a pilot project to develop a talent bank of women who would be prepared to serve on state boards.

These women would be made available to ministers and other nominating bodies when positions are being appointed.

Gender balance

Speaking about the new initiative the Minister of State with responsibility for Equality, New Communities and Culture Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said a number of departments fall below the average adding that there is a significant under-representation of both sexes on certain boards.

He said Government were re-committing to the 40% target, adding:

Meeting the 40% target by 2016 is a specific commitment of this Government and we are now requiring each Government department to plan how it intends to achieve this. These new measures will be accompanied by closer monitoring, with each Government department to report on a six-monthly basis on their progress.

He said the new talent bank of women will assist in sourcing suitably qualified women when it comes to people being appointed to boards.

The development of such a talent bank had been included as a recommendation in two reports associated with the implementation of the National Women’s Strategy 2007-2016.

The Mid-Term Review of the National Women’s Strategy and Towards Gender Parity in Decision-Making in Ireland were prepared by the Monitoring Committee of the National Women’s Strategy chaired by the Minister of State formerly with responsibility for Equality, Kathleen Lynch.

Read: Fitzgerald says UN report will be examined but Ireland has its own constitutional position>

Read: There’s (dubious) speculation online that the Web Summit will be bought by SXSW>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Christina Finn
View 38 comments
Close
38 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds