The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committe has called for a woman to be appointed to head of the Health Service Executive.
Sean Fleming said "women's health hasn't been adequately treated" by the HSE and "strong favourable consideration" should be given for a woman to be appointed as director general.
Currently, the HSE is being led by acting Director General John Connaghan and a recruitment process is under way to seek a permanent appointment.
Since its foundation the HSE has been headed up by four men; Professor Brendan Drumm, Cathal Magee, Tony O'Brien and Mr Connaghan.
Deputy Fleming said: "We've had excellent men, but I do believe a woman could bring something to it in terms of putting patients first, and I would ask that be given a high mark on the scoring of any application."
He said this was his own view, and he did not expect the endorsement of other committee members.
"It has always been men, and fine men, but maybe a change would be good".
Labour TD Alan Kelly said while he appreciated Mr Fleming's sentiment it was a "very strange comment."
He said: "Ultimately the best person has to be picked, and what gender they are is irrelevant.
"The idea that you should get higher marks for being a woman is not acceptable".
Deputy Fleming said he would "withdraw that bit" but wanted the recruitment process to be as broad as possible.
Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy said she wanted to echo Deputy Kelly's call.
"I'm all for women being promoted, but there are many, many women who would get there on merit".
Mr Fleming stressed his view was personal and he was not speaking for the PAC.
"We've had four excellent men, and I'm asking that the recruitment process be as broad as possible and not be narrowed to one gender", he added.
