Gender Equality

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018

Tuesday, 17 April 2018

Ceisteanna (71)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

71. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the introduction of legislation to narrow the gender pay gap similar to that introduced in the UK whereby large companies are obliged to publish information on the gender pay gap in their company; if he has consulted with other Ministers on the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (Gender Pay Gap Information) Bill 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16177/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

I fully support legislation along the lines described. Action 1.23 of the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020 is to promote wage transparency by requiring companies of 50 or more employees to complete a wage survey periodically and report the results. This reflects a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government. Minister Flanagan and I held a public consultation last Autumn on measures to address the gender pay gap and Ministers Flanagan and Humphreys organised a successful symposium in January on the subject.

A Gender Pay Gap (Wage Transparency) Bill for publication in the Spring/Summer 2018 is included in the Government Legislation Programme. A General Scheme of that Bill is currently in preparation. Ministers have been briefed on the policy intentions regarding the General Scheme which will be circulated to Ministers for consideration shortly.