Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators. I have spoken in this and the Lower House about my commitment to getting this legislation passed and the mechanisms put in place to support it, including regulations and the website, so we can see delivery of this vital information. As Senator Bacik acknowledged, responsibility for this legislation was transferred to my Department in October last year and it was not initially with my Department when I took on this role. In that nine-month period, I prioritised this legislation again because, as Senator Bacik implies, it had taken a long time to germinate to its current position. We put on the pressure internally and with great assistance from my officials, we discussed in May this year how we could ensure it would be prioritised. We have delivered the legislation and it is my absolute commitment that we will deliver the regulations as swiftly as possible.

The term used is "as soon as reasonably practicable", which is typical of what is used in legislation of this sort. As I have said, I have put it on record in both Houses that there will be no delay on my Department's side in both drawing up and providing these regulations. They will be detailed so we cannot just pretend that by putting in the term "immediately", everything will suddenly be done. There is a detailed set of regulations and there is very significant primary legislation listing the various types of categories under which reporting must take place. That must be elucidated further in the regulations, which will take some time to complete, but there will be no delay or foot dragging. We will also look to get the request for tender for the website developed as quickly as possible. The website is going to be really important as well as this is how we publicise which companies are adhering to or making efforts towards addressing the gender pay gap in their spheres.

This House has my absolute commitment to move on this as quickly as possible and I am happy to be accountable to this House on that as we move to the next term. The change being proposed is not necessary and would not make the process go any more quickly. As such, I ask Senators not to press this amendment.