Just 12% of CEOs employed by large businesses in Ireland are women.
New statistics from the Central Statistics Office also show the overwhelming majority of chairpersons were men, with just 7 per cent of them being women.
The report shows men make up almost three-quarters of all senior executive roles across the country.
Helen Wycherley, President of Network Ireland, says "Progress is slow in getting more women into senior positions when comparing the number to five years ago. On a positive note it is increasing."
"We know women can lack in confidence yet are more than capable for these positions"
The construction sector had the lowest representation of women in senior roles, while the accommodation and food service industry had the highest.
Foreign-owned enterprises had a higher percentage of female senior executives than Irish-owned businesses.
