The Irish Independent's View: Awareness of gender pay gap is first step to addressing it

"The regulations come on foot of moves across Europe to get employers to be more transparent. The rules are designed to close the gender pay gap among workers and require major changes in the way com­panies structure, communicate and report on pay. Employers have to publish a statement outlining the size of their gender pay gap, the reasons for it and what measures are being taken to eliminate or reduce it."

"In Ireland, the Government said the estimated gender pay gap stands at just under 9pc, measuring how far below men's gross hourly earnings women's wages lie on average. The gender pay gap in Ireland is below the EU aver­age of 12pc and has dropped from over 16pc in 2007 when the measurement began. However, the data is not entirely easy to obtain."

Regulations require employers to publish statements outlining the size of their gender pay gap, reasons, and measures to reduce it. The rules aim to close the gender pay gap and demand changes in company pay structures, communication, and reporting. The Irish government estimates the gap at just under 9%, below the EU average of 12% and down from over 16% in 2007. A searchable portal due in 2026 will allow workers to compare employer metrics and download data. Civil service pay structure produces clearer wage data across ranks. Transparency and potential naming-and-shaming are expected to drive affirmative action.

Read at Irish Independent