The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence is to be created as part of the €58 million National Women's Strategy (2007-2016) unveiled by the Government today.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Tanaiste Michael McDowell, Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan and Minister of State Frank Fahey launched the 20-point strategy which aims to tackle under-representation in key decision-making positions; economic inequality and health and wellbeing issues.
It forms part of the €148 million allocated to gender equality measures under the National Development Plan and includes training and networking initiatives and a major international conference on gender equality in Waterford next year.
"Equality must be a core value to society," Mr Ahern said.
He noted that the number of women in the workforce has doubled in the past 10 years, recognising that as a consequence "life is not easy for working mothers".
While equality legislation was first introduced 30 years ago, the progress of women to high positions in commerce and public and civic life remained disappointing, Mr Ahern continued.
"Tapping the potential contribution of women to enriching policy development and decision making is clearly vital if we are to grow our quality of life".
All the ministers present expressed particular concern about the continuing prevalence of domestic violence and welcomed the creation of the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Cosc (Irish for stop/prevent).
Mr McDowell described domestic violence as a "despicable crime" and said Cosc, which is due to be operational by the early summer, would "provide enhanced co-ordination and leadership to address the problem of domestic violence and violence against women."
The office will be part of the Department of Justice and be headed by a senior civil servant. It will draw its staff form the Garda Siochana, the Courts Service, the Probation Service, the Health Service Executive, the departments of Health and Environment and local authorities.
It will also tackle violence against children and men. Mr Ahern noted "there was no gender monopoly on disadvantage and discrimination".
Ms Coughlan noted there were sound economic reasons for promoting gender equality.
She said statistics show females were out-achieving males in education but "we are wasting a very significant human capital resource if we do not fully utilise the skills, competences and education which our female population can offer".
The National Women's Strategy includes measures to support entrepreneurial activity among women and promote equal pay and workplace advancement.
It also includes measures to promote gender equality values through foreign aid.
When questioned by reporters about the timing of the strategy, 10 years after the Coalition took power, Mr Fahey said it was developed pursuant to the Social Partnership Agreement of 2003 and took time to develop because of the range of departments and agencies involved.