Roderic O'Gorman

The bill was first introduced in April 2019 but it lapsed with the dissolution of the Dáil in 2020, before being restored to the Order Paper later that year.

In January 2021, Equality Minister Roderic O’Gorman sought cabinet approval to strengthen the Bill, introducing amendments to ensure the Bill applies to all public bodies and Government Departments. He also sought to strengthen the enforcement mechanisms and shorten the review period for the Bill once enacted.

Having been passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas, the legislation will now be sent to the president to be signed into law.

Welcoming the bill, Mr O’Gorman said: “With the passage of the Gender Pay Gap Information Bill, pay transparency is now one step closer.

“Reporting of the gender pay gap by employers will provide accountability and transparency, helping to ensure that employers address the gender pay disparity between men and women.

“The passing of this strengthened legislation is testament to this Government’s commitment to gender equality, and I am determined to continue making progress on this.”