Irish political parties are being urged to mark International Women's Day by committing to more female representation on local Councils.

The Women for Election group said that Councils have dozens of vacancies, due to Councillors winning Dáil seats.

The group said that is an opportunity to co-opt a greater proportion of women on to Councils.

Yesterday, it was reported that Danny Healy-Rae's daughter Maura will take her father's place in Kerry County Council.

Suzanne Collins of Women for Election said that there are plenty of female party activists who deserve promotion.

"Women who maybe came to the fore during General Election campaigns, took leadership roles, and co-opt them on to the Council seats," she said.

"Because what this election has really shown is the importance of serving at local Government level for creating a pipeline for national Government elections."