MINISTER OF STATE Kathleen Lynch has called for action by the government to increase the role of women on State Boards.

At the Cabinet meeting this morning, Lynch told the government it will have to strengthen its efforts if it is to reach its own target of 40 per cent by 2016.

At the end of 2011, women filled just below 34 per cent of these seats and Lynch said that while there has been good progress, the overall outcomes across all departments has been at roughly the same level for the past six years.

Women are still more likely to be appointed in areas like health, education and social services while financial and economic departments are well below the average.

Lynch said Ireland has one of the best educated female populations in the world, “with women playing leadership roles in many diverse and challenging areas at home and abroad”.

The Minister of State  said there is “no excuse” not to see real progress in this area in 2013.

Read: TD says lack of childcare and cash stops women entering politics>

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