The board of the governing authority of NUI Galway has accepted the first set of recommendations presented by the Task Force for Gender Equality at the university.

The recommendations include the establishment of a new position of Vice-President of Equality and Diversity, with initial focus on gender equality.

It also recommended that all major influential committees should be made up of a minimum of 40% women and 40% men by the end of 2016.

The task force was established in response to a recent decision of the Equality Tribunal, in respect of gender discrimination towards a staff member in 2008.

The recommendations also include mandatory "unconscious bias training" for all members of the university management team, academic management team, heads of school, committee chairs and interview boards.

It also suggests a review of all promotion and progression policies and procedures within the university for all grades of staff in respect of gender equality.

The task force will produce a comprehensive report of its recommendations by no later than Spring next year.

Speaking after the meeting, Judge Catherine McGuinness - chair of the university's governing authority - said: "I am very happy that Údarás na hOllscoile accepted these recommendations, and believe it's a strong confirmation of the commitment we have here at NUI Galway to eliminate gender inequality."

In response to the board's decision, Professor Jane Grimson, chair of the task force, added: "Having more women in senior positions within an organisation improves the quality of decision making and diversity also enhances creativity and innovation which are at the heart of university business, so I am particularly happy today that NUI Galway has adopted the first set of recommendations put to them".