Yet again, the new Government have failed to address gender balance at Governmental decision-making tables.

Total of women in ministerial positions reduced to 9 women – 24%. The outgoing Government had 10 women – 29%.

“It is very disappointing again to see that the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have not prioritised a gender balance among the Ministers of State appointed this afternoon. With just 6 women out of the 23 Ministers of State, there is a reduction in percentage terms from the last Government”, said Aldagh McDonogh, Chair of Women for Election.

“The new Government have failed their second test on gender equality by having no increase in the number of women appointed as Ministers of State. The Government took these decisions despite the widespread negative reaction to and concern about the reduction of women Ministers in Cabinet announced last week.”

“Following on from the reduction in the number of women Ministers to three in the 15-member Cabinet appointed last week and no change in the number of women Ministers for State announced today there are serious questions to ask of this new Government about the rationale of continuing to exclude women’s voices, expertise and lived experience from Government decision-making levels.”

The Government, despite the increase in Minister of State roles to 23, has appointed the same number of women as in the outgoing Government – 6 women Ministers of State. Compared to the outgoing Government, Fianna Fáil have increased from two to three Ministers of State; Fine Gael have reduced from three to two women. The Regional Independents Group have appointed one woman. In percentage terms, women have been reduced to 26% Ministers of State in the new Government compared to 30% in the outgoing Government.

“The Taoiseach and Tánaiste had plenty of suitably qualified women TDs with expertise across a wide range of areas from which to choose their Ministers of State. As the last Government did, they could also have appointed Ministers of State from the Seanad by delaying a few days until the Seanad election is complete.”

This Government has a total of 9 women in decision making roles – 24% of all such positions: 3 Cabinet Ministers and 6 Ministers of State. The last Government had 10 women in these roles – 4 Cabinet Ministers and 6 Ministers of State, 29% of all Ministerial positions.

“It is vital for the health of our society, our economy and our democracy that women’s voices, expertise and lived experience are included at the tables where decisions are made that effect every person in Ireland. As women, we shouldn’t have to keep asking for a place at the table. We expect better from our political leaders” concluded McDonogh.

ENDS