More women are needed in public positions to make decisions on national policies, it was claimed today.
The under-representation of women in Government posts is an anachronism that is no longer valid in modern Ireland, according to Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Frank Fahey.
New figures reveal State Boards are made up of 1,592 females, compared to 3,140 men.
The numbers, calculated at the end of December, indicate a two per cent increase on the year before.
State Boards chaired by women reached 19 per cent - 71 women against 295 men - and 374 women were appointed within 15 state departments, compared to 616 men.
"I frequently point to the marked increase in female labour market participation which has contributed in no small way to the growth of the Celtic Tiger, and, in this regard I call on all those in positions of power, whether in the public or private sectors, to recognise this fact and to use whatever influence at their disposal to continue to increase the number of women in the board rooms of Ireland," said Mr Fahey.
He called for a renewed effort to reach a representation of at least 40 per cent for each gender on State Boards.
"To reach this target we need to maintain and build upon the strong commitment from all stakeholders, be it Government or other nominating bodies, to ensuring more women are nominated to State Boards in Ireland," he added.