IT industry leaders have been challenged to recruit more women into the technology sector, as well as the engineering, science and mathematics sectors.

The chairman of the board of the European Technology Cluster, Denis Collins, has called on fellow business leaders to commit to providing 100 work-placement opportunities for female transition-year students in 2014/2015.

Mr Collins made the call during his address at the European Tech Summit, which was held in Cork, telling delegates that the Smarter Placement programme, aims to stimulate girls' interest in technology "as a potential career option and to influence their subject choices at 2nd and 3rd level".

"ICT companies typically see fewer work placement applications from young female students than their male equivalents. Initiatives like this aim to facilitate equal opportunity work placements." said Mr Collins.

KPMG partner and fellow director of IT@Cork Caroline O'Driscoll emphasised the opportunities which exist for women in the IT sector, and which are often overlooked:

"With over 4,500 ICT jobs currently unfilled in Ireland, women must be part of the solution. Many studies have shown that female participation in ICT remains low. The Smarter Placement programme is designed by women who have 'been there, done that' for young women to guide them towards an exciting and rewarding career in technology. It is very encouraging to see the number of Cork companies who have embraced this initiative,“  she said.EMC's Gillian Bergin, co-chair programme, said Smarter Placement "is about providing equal opportunity for women to gain valuable work experience where they are typically under-represented."