THE NUMBER OF women on State boards has increased by 2.2% in the last three years.

In July 2014, the Department of Justice approved new measures to 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 were made available to ministers and other nominating bodies when positions were being appointed.

40% target

Previously, the representation on State boards stood at 36.2%, falling short of the 1993 target set at a minimum of 40%.

The latest figures from government show the current average across all State boards stands at 38.4%.

A government spokesperson said that some boards have reached their target and have 40% of women on their boards.

Yesterday, Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald briefed her Cabinet colleagues on the improvements made and informed them that some boards which hit the target of 40% are to be given a new target of 45%. The new target aims to encourage momentum and progress.

Addressing the Central Bank’s women’s networking event on Monday, Fitzgerald said targets for gender balance at board level is not new.

She said she would continue to remind ministers and nominating bodies to be alert to the need for gender balance in such appointments.

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