The 2017 data shows an increase in the proportion of female applicants at both board – from 16 per cent to 18 per cent – and senior management levels – from 28 per cent to 30 per cent – when comparing 2017 with the period 2012–2016. But these figures are extremely low.
The ERM's wide (± 15 per cent) fluctuation margins provide a good buffer against speculative activity, but clearly the need to meet the EMU exchange rate criterion and to maintain economic balance requires a much more stable course for exchange rates. Continuing progress in balancing central government finances and maintenance of the moderate cost trend are key factors as regards exchange rate stability.