Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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480. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she is taking to identify and address gender pay disparity in her Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17364/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 has introduced the legislative basis for gender pay gap reporting. Organisations with over 250 employees will be required to report on their gender pay gap in 2022. The regulations under the Act will be published in the coming weeks along with guidance for employers.

I am committed to supporting progress on gender equality in my Department and all areas under my remit. My Department’s Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 is underpinned by the values as set in the Civil Service Renewal Plan. Our strategy outlines the Department’s commitment to equality and inclusion, fair and equal treatment of all our stakeholders and a commitment to human rights, equality and anti-discrimination, in accordance with the Public Sector Duty obligation of the Human Rights and Equality Commission 2014. The Department devised its Gender Action Plan, following consultation and engagement with staff. The Gender Action Plan (GAP) sets out commitments and goals for the coming year and beyond. The GAP will feed into the Department's new HR People Strategy currently under development. My Department also celebrated International Women’s Day on the 8th March with a focus on ‘Breaking the Bias’. A coffee morning was held on the day and data relating to gender equality was shared with staff to raise awareness.