Women could make up half of State boards if all goes to plan

Equal numbers of women and men could sit on State boards if the website stateboards.ie does its job.

Welcoming the launch of the website, Louise Glennon of the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) said she hoped the Government would reach its target of at least 40 per cent representation of each gender on State boards while it is in office.

The move represents “a significant opportunity for women to register their interest in serving on a State board”, Ms Glennon said.

“This invitation is encouraging to women, particularly those with a diversity of experience from the community and voluntary sector, from the public service, and from business,” she said.

“This is an ideal opportunity to improve the gender balance, but also to increase the diversity of voices having their say in how our State organisations are run.

“We encourage all women to register with stateboards.ie to find out what opportunities are available to them, and where they can apply their skills and expertise.”

Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin said the move marked "a sea-change in the way people are appointed to State boards. It makes it much more open."

The change will benefit women and others with a diversity of experience, said Ms Glennon.

The new website will carry details of vacancies on boards. People can apply for vacancies via the website and register to receive email alerts when vacancies are published.