The Government will discuss tackling Ireland’s gender pay gap with businesses and trade unions next week. Senior policymakers, business representatives, trade unions and academics will discuss the gender equality agenda of the government.
A public consultation was launched in August last year on measures to address the gap, which drew 38 responses and suggestions. The Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan will brief those attending on the submissions received. The symposium will also hear about the initiatives under consideration in the European Commission to address the gender pay gap.
The symposium will hear from a wide range of guests such as Orla O’Connor, Director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland, Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, and Senator Ivana Bacik.
EU figures show that in Ireland, women currently earn around 13.9% less than men.
Just this recently Iceland has introduced a new law which makes it illegal to pay men more than women, and has pledged to eradicate gender pay-gap by 2022.
Icelandic companies employing more than 25 people must get a government certificate as proof of equal pay.
Minister Flanagan said 2018 is a very significant year for Irish women, marking a centenary since women achieved voting rights in Ireland.
