Ahern accepts more needs to be done on gender equality

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has accepted that more needs to be done to improve gender equality in politics and many other professions.

His comments come as the feminist group Banulacht marks International Women's Day today by calling for gender quotas to be implemented in future elections.

The group claims women's voices are not really being heard unless women make up 30% to 40% of members of parliament.

Asked about the matter last night, Mr Ahern said he had made huge efforts to get more women involved in politics, as well as a range of other professions, but accepted that more could still be done.

"The whole benefit of International Women's Day is that it keeps us conscious that we must improve and should improve," he said.

"That continues to be a priority for me to follow."