Tirlán shareholders have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a series of proposals to enhance the Co-op’s governance structures and facilitate increased diversity.

The series of progressive rule changes will empower the representative structure to operate to international best practice, with more gender-balance and younger representation.

At the Special General Meeting (SGM) in Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny, Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy welcomed the hugely positive shareholder response to the recommendations from a sub-committee of the Board focused on positioning the Tirlán representative structure for the future.

“Shareholder approval for this set of progressive proposals marks a major step towards positioning the Co-op for the future. The world has changed significantly since the last review of our representative structure was undertaken over two decades ago.

“The changes to the composition of the representative structure, youth groups and investment in education through the Tirlán Governance Academy will all help to further strengthen and ensure the vibrancy of our Co-op. I’d like to thank all of our shareholders and the committee who carried out such a comprehensive review.”

The series of recommendations was developed through an extensive consultation process with the Farmer Advisory Council of Tirlán, the Co-op’s 11 regional committees and individual members.

Tirlán CEO Jim Bergin commended shareholders for once again showing their foresight and courage to embrace the future.

“It is important that we have a balance of youth, gender and a diversity of thought across our representative structure to enable us to operate to international best practice across all forms of organisations. I truly believe that today is a watershed day on our journey towards becoming a ‘Co-op of the future’.”

Tirlán has also confirmed that a review of Board composition will commence shortly, with proposals to be put to Co-op Members for consideration by the end of 2024.

Earlier this year ICOS launched a gender equality charter aimed at promoting the participation of women in Irish co-ops. The Gender Equity Charter states that ICOS will “endeavour to identify, support and promote” female candidates for election to leadership roles within co-ops, before going on to state that ICOS will also conduct research into issues that may be affect female involvement.

ICOS CEO TJ Flanagan and Legal Counsel and Governance Executive James Doyle also attended the Tirlan SGM.