Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 9, inclusive, together.

International Women's Day is marked annually on 8 March and is an important day for recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women in Ireland and women around the world. It is a day to honour the contributions of women, as well as to advocate for greater gender equality and women's rights. The campaign theme for this year was: “Embrace Equity: equity isn't just nice-to-have; it's a requirement". The Department of the Taoiseach actively encouraged staff to attend a range of events to mark International Women’s Day 2023, including the Civil Service lead webinar: Stronger Together - Real Equality Works for Everyone.

The Government is committed to responding to the matters raised by the citizens’ assembly and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Gender Equality, and empowering women and girls. As part of the response, and on International Women’s Day, the Government agreed that referendums would be held in November 2023 to amend the Constitution as recommended by the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality and the special Oireachtas Joint Committee on Gender Equality. This will begin with an interdepartmental process to determine the policy scope of the referendums and to develop policy recommendations for consideration by Government, which held its first meeting yesterday. I want Ireland to be a world leader on gender equality. Until we have full equality between men and women, that is parity, we are a Republic unfinished.

We have already implemented new gender pay gap legislation, with many public and private organisations publishing their first gender pay gap reports, as required under the legislation in 2022. This has brought much-needed visibility and transparency to the gap that still exists in pay levels between men and women in most companies and organisations. We are also increasing parent’s leave so that both parents can spend more time with their children in those vital early years. The gender quota for candidates has increased to 40% for Dáil elections and the Government has agreed to introduce legislation to provide greater gender balance on corporate boards ahead of the EU deadline of 2026. We have also commenced the drafting of legislation to create a new statutory agency dedicated to dealing with and reducing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

The Department of the Taoiseach is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all staff and recognises that a more diverse workforce, helped by an inclusive culture, can improve organisational capacity, boosting creativity and innovation and lead to better decision-making. The Department offers a range of flexible working arrangements to all staff, including shorter working weeks and blended working arrangements. It also offers additional assistance to all staff in career development and the opportunity to pursue promotional opportunities throughout their employment journeys. The Department will also continue to review its actions to improve gender equality to smooth career progression and to promote more women to senior positions.

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