Senator Mary White calls on Government to tackle ‘disgraceful’ gender pay gap

Published on: 28 February 2013


Fianna Fáil Senator Mary White has called on the government to tackle what she describes as the ‘disgraceful’ and ‘discriminatory’ pay gap on Equal Pay Day 2013.

The latest figures from the EU Commission show that the Gender Pay Gap in Ireland between women and men currently stands at an alarming 13.9%.

Senator White commented: “The disturbing figure released by the EU Commission of a 13.9% Gender Pay Gap in Ireland between men and women is alarming news.

“The fact that Irish women are earning significantly less than Irish men is nothing short of disgraceful and discriminatory and the government must address this gender pay gap urgently.

“This is despite the fact that OECD figures have shown on numerous occasions that more women than men enter the workforce with better third level qualifications.

“What is most disturbing of all is the discrimination against mothers. Figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveal that women without children are 17% better paid than men while mothers with 1 child or more are 14% less well paid.

“This highlights the high cost of motherhood in Ireland and how mothers in the workforce are made suffer for having children. The Government must address this clear discrimination not only on moral grounds but to ensure a more equal labour market and more adequate use of the skills of women.

“There is clear discrimination on display through these figures which reiterate the fact that a glass ceiling for women continues to exist, concluded Senator Mary White.”

Connect with us



News Categories