Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 March 2022
200. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to identify and address gender pay disparity in his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17356/22]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing an inclusive work environment for all colleagues. Our Statement of Strategy, Le Chéile 23, is underpinned by the values set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan and is committed to human rights, equality and anti-discrimination. A key action for 2022 arising from this is Ag Obair Le Chéile, a comprehensive action plan to develop the Department's people, culture and organisation to deliver, improve and transform the Department. As part of Ag Obair le Chéile, in 2022, my Department will develop and deliver a People Strategy and adopt a new blended working policy. Gender equality is a key focus within these deliverables. Our Department’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Group was established last year with the aim to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace. This Group is a cross representative group and will play an integral role in driving forward the Department’s vision for inclusion, diversity and equality to create a fairer and more inclusive workspace. A gender equality sub group has been established as part of EDI group.
At my Department’s International Women’s Day event, an overview of data related to gender balance in my Department was presented to staff, along with the Department’s Gender Equality Plan, which includes a set of commitments and goals for the coming year based on the collected data and continuous engagement with staff.
The salaries of Civil Servants are attached to relevant pay scales as set out by DPER. My Department intends to improve data analysis around internal competitions, female participation in leadership and gender pay disparity.
The information requested in relation to the bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each body. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.
