Written answers

Tuesday, 29 July 2025

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Gender Balance

Photo of Grace BolandGrace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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930. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the means by which the delivery of the “Balance for Better Business” initiative will be delivered; if there is a timeframe for the delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43049/25]

Photo of Peter BurkePeter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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In 2018, Government established Balance for Better Business as an independent business-led Review Group to improve gender balance in senior business leadership in Ireland. The Review Group, which meets 3 to 4 times a year, is comprised of senior figures in Irish business and public service. My Department provides financial support for Balance for Better Business, from the Dormant Accounts Fund, as well as providing administrative and policy support.

In May 2024, Balance for Better Business launched a new set of targets as part of a renewed 5-year strategy through to 2028, supported by my Department. This new strategy focuses on a ‘twin track approach’ of quantitative targets to measure progress and qualitative guidance issued to companies, in the form of a Balance for Better Business roadmap. Under this strategy, Balance for Better Business has set targets for 40%+ female representation on boards and leadership teams for all company cohorts, to be achieved by the end of 2028. Accelerating change for Irish-owned private companies and on leadership teams will be priorities to meet these targets.

The qualitative roadmap focuses on companies setting internal targets, completing succession planning, focusing on talent development and retention, reforming recruitment strategies, and expanding their conception of strategic leadership to provide greater pathways to women. This roadmap was developed by Balance for Better Business in consultation with partner organisations, and on foot of research conducted by my Department. To advance this agenda over the next 5 years, Balance for Better Business is pursuing activities under 4 key strategic pillars: setting and monitoring targets; demonstrating the positive business impact of gender balance; advocating with industry and stakeholders; influencing policy; and providing a strong trusted voice.

Since its launch in 2018, significant progress has been achieved through the initiative’s work. Key messages and milestones from the Balance for Better Business Seventh Annual Report, launched in February 2025, include:

-Ireland’s largest listed (ISEQ20) companies have now reached the key milestone of 40% female directors overall, compared to 18% in 2018.

-Having lagged the EU average for female representation on the boards and leadership teams of its largest listed companies when Balance for Better Business launched, Ireland now ranks 6th in the EU for female board representation and 5th in the EU for leadership teams, well ahead of the EU average.

-Since launch, large Irish-owned private companies have increased the proportion of women on their boards by 5 percentage points.

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