MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT Shane Ross says he disagrees with the proposal to impose cuts to state funding on sporting bodies who do not adhere to a 30% gender quota.

The initiative, which was announced by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport Patrick O’Donovan, triggered a mixed reaction, with some sporting organisations saying that they were not consulted before the decision was made.

The Irish Times reports that Mr Ross spoke with with over 50 organisations yesterday to discuss the new measure which is due to be introduced next year.

He said he agrees that sporting bodies need greater female representation but added that he did “not favour punitive measures, especially as a weapon to be used against smaller non-governmental bodies.”

“There was a general consensus at the meeting that punitive measures would not assist us in achieving this goal,” he said.

The Minister added that he was unaware of O’Donovan’s proposal prior to the announcement and also said he would establish a new leadership group to explore solutions that would encourage more women into leadership roles.

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