Council highlights shortage of women in politics

The National Women's Council of Ireland is marking International Women's Day today by highlighting the ongoing lack of women in politics.

The organisation says just 19% of local councillors and 13% of TDs are women.

At the current rate of change, it says, women will be waiting 370 years to gain equal representation in the political arena.

Campaigners say the problem needs to be addressed directly by political parties, who continue to field significantly more male candidates than female.

Meanwhile, a new Government report due to be published shortly is expected to recommend more flexibility in civil-service work practices in an effort to increase the number of women in senior positions.

The report says there is currently a view in the civil service that flexible working is incompatible with the responsibilities of senior staff.