Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Labour Party, I join Senator Catherine Ardagh in expressing sympathy to the survivors and families of those killed so tragically in the earthquake in Iran. I understand more than 400 people were killed and about 7,000 injured. It was an horrific earthquake. I also join Senator Victor Boyhan in expressing sympathy to the family of the late Kevin Dawson who was a pioneering journalist.

I ask for a debate on the issue of gender equality in the workplace, in the light of a number of recent developments. On Friday we marked Equal Pay Day when the National Women's Council, IMPACT and others noted that women in Ireland worked for free on a Friday, given that, on average, they earned 14% less than their male colleagues. Last Friday was designated as Equal Pay Day across Ireland. It would be worth having a debate on the issue. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy David Stanton, who dealt with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (Gender Pay Gap Information) Bill introduced by the Labour Party. He said the Government would accept the Bill. The Taoiseach also mentioned it in his speech on Friday. I am delighted to see-----