Written answers

Tuesday, 1 December 2020

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Legislative Programme

Photo of Mary Lou McDonaldMary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

540. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the Gender Pay Gap Information Bill 2019 will be brought forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40459/20]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Addressing the factors behind the gender pay gap is a key commitment in the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020. It is a multi-faceted task involving a number of Government Departments and agencies. Tackling this issue is good for equality and it also makes good business sense, as firms that can report a low or non-existent gender pay gap will have an advantage in recruiting future employees. Initiatives to address the gender pay gap can also be expected to have a positive impact on disparities in income for women across and after their working lives.

The aim of the Gender Pay Gap Bill is to provide transparency on the gender pay gap and incentivise employers to take measures to address the issue insofar as they can. The Bill was published on 8 April 2019 and completed Dáil Committee Stage in June 2019. It has since then been reintroduced by the Government, and Report Stage is currently awaited. Work is advancing on legislative amendments to be introduced during Report Stage. It is hoped therefore that the Bill will be enacted in the very near future.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.