Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I return to the issues of the gender pay gap and gender equality more generally. I understand these matters formed part of the Taoiseach's discussions in June with Ms Christine Lagarde. The gender pay gap is a frontline equality issue, not a sideline, petty concern. It is a matter of deep concern that, notwithstanding legislation on equal pay for work of equal value dating back to the 1970s, we continue to witness gross disparity in the earnings of men and women, respectively. I share Deputy Joan Burton's concern about the very high threshold for the implementation of the legislation and reporting requirements, which is companies with 250 employees or more. I do not accept that a lower threshold would create an undue administrative burden, which is, I suspect, the response the Taoiseach is lining up. The suggested penalties for companies which fail to make information public must be pointed and of sufficient weight to act as an incentive to good practice and a disincentive to continuing with bad practices. When does the Taoiseach intend to introduce the Bill in the Dáil and when will a debate take place on it? I ask him to confirm his political commitment to the speedy passage of the legislation which is just one of the measures needed to achieve full equality for women in society.

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