Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
16. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures his Department is taking to reduce the disparity in gender balance in airplane pilot jobs given that only 6% of pilots are female; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39392/21]
View answerIn 2018 I launched Balance for Better Business, as an independent business-led Review Group established by the Government to improve gender balance in senior leadership in Ireland. It was created to make recommendations on how more women can be involved in decision-making at the top level of businesses in Ireland. The Review Group examines the gender mix within the governance and senior management of companies in Ireland and the issues which arise in connection with the appointment of company directors and senior management.
The Review Group, which meets 3 to 4 times a year, comprises senior figures in Irish business and the public service. In addition, there is an Advisory Group, which is representative of a wider cross section of business organisations and other interested parties, that meets twice a year.
While Balance for Better Business focuses on improving gender balance in senior leadership in Ireland, it is vital there is a pipeline of talent from which to fill vacancies on boards and / or on senior leadership teams. In addition, increasing employment and leadership opportunities for women is shown to increase organisational effectiveness and growth within companies so it makes business sense to ensure a balanced workforce within an organisation.
Outside of individual organisations and the Balance for Better Business initiative, much work has been done across the Government system to ensure women’s full and equal representation in Irish business. This includes encouraging and enabling female participation including through promoting women and girls in STEM, new modes of working and Early Learning and Care that is affordable, accessible, and high quality.
It is likely there are a number of factors influencing the low number of women working as airline pilots, such as the number of girls taking physics; the number of women applying for (and completing) the requisite third level courses; and the work schedules / shift patterns. As such, more research and analysis would need to be undertaken to understand these factors and how to address them. These would be issues for my Ministerial colleague, Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan T.D., who has policy responsibility for this sector.
