The Citizens' Assembly on Gender Equality has reconvened remotely to discuss 'Women in Leadership’.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin addressed the gathering by video link.

He said "very progressive societal changes" had emerged from previous assemblies, adding: "You now have an opportunity to shape the Ireland of the future."

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said he was happy to hear that assembly members were able to meet remotely and was looking forward to their recommendations.

The Citizens' Assembly on Gender Equality was established in July last year to bring forward proposals to the Houses of the Oireachtas to advance gender equality.

It held its first hearings in Malahide, Co Dublin last February but has not met since due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Submissions to the assembly include one from Women On Air, a not-for-profit organisation with the mission of achieving greater gender balance on broadcast media in Ireland.

In its submission, Women On Air called for the introduction of measurement and reporting of gender balance on publicly funded media, and for funding allocations to be linked to agreed targets being met.

All policy decisions relating to broadcasting and gender equality must include a commitment to achieving gender equality on our airwaves, it stated in its submission.

"Women are the majority in Irish society and yet they are consistently underrepresented on our airwaves. Public policy is influenced, and indeed often changed, by views expressed on broadcast media.

"That is why we believe gender equality on the airwaves is essential for a fair and functioning democracy," said Women On Air.