Ireland is intensifying its drive for workplace equality as Minister Peter Burke brings government representatives, employers and trade unions together to advance equal pay for women. The meeting marks International Equal Pay Day and strengthens Ireland’s role in the global effort to close the gender pay gap.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment hosted members of the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC), EU representatives, social partners and other stakeholders on 18 September 2026. Ibec also announced its commitment to join EPIC, alongside the Irish Government and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).
Equal Pay Ireland agenda gains support from social partners
Minister Burke said Ireland’s membership of EPIC, announced in 2025, represented an important national commitment to ensuring that people receive equal pay for work of equal value. He welcomed Ibec’s decision to join the coalition, describing the move as an opportunity to unite Ireland’s main social partners behind efforts to reduce pay inequality.
International Equal Pay Day highlights the continuing gender pay gap and the practical action required to address it. The discussion focused on cooperation between public authorities, employers, workers and civil society, with pay transparency and coordinated policy identified as important tools.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is leading the initiative in cooperation with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Other public bodies, including gov.ie services and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), form part of Ireland’s wider workplace rights and equality landscape.
International voices call for practical action
International Labour Organization Director General Gilbert Houngbo described equal pay as a matter of rights, equality and social justice. He emphasised that social dialogue can help governments, employers and workers remove structural barriers affecting women’s earnings.
Maíra Lacerda, chair of EPIC and a representative of Brazil’s Ministry of Labour and Employment, said closing the gender pay gap requires strong domestic policies, transparency and international cooperation. Her comments underlined the importance of turning equal-pay commitments into measurable workplace progress.
What is the Equal Pay International Coalition?
EPIC is a global partnership led by the International Labour Organization, UN Women and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. It supports governments, employers, workers and their organisations in developing coordinated measures to achieve equal pay for women and men.
- EPIC works at global, regional and national levels.
- Its membership includes governments, employer and worker organisations, businesses, academics and civil society groups.
- Ireland joined the coalition in July 2025.
- Ibec’s participation will bring Ireland’s principal social partners together within EPIC.
The event included speakers such as Professor Lindsey Earner-Byrne of Trinity College Dublin and Fabrizia Lapecorella, OECD Deputy Secretary-General. Representatives from the OECD, ILO, UN Women, EU Member States, business groups, trade unions and academic institutions also attended.
Read more
For more coverage of Irish government announcements and national public policy, visit Daily Digest.
Explore more
Follow Ireland employment, business and public affairs news on Media Digest, and discover Irish lifestyle and society features at Luxe Digest.
Why equal pay remains a national priority
Equal pay is closely connected to fair recruitment, career progression, parental responsibilities and transparent salary structures. Cooperation between the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, employers and unions can help identify barriers and encourage consistent action across sectors.
Ireland’s expanded participation in EPIC does not by itself eliminate pay differences, but it creates a stronger framework for sharing policy approaches and tracking progress. The clear takeaway is that equal pay Ireland commitments will have the greatest impact when transparency, enforcement and social dialogue are translated into everyday workplace practice.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
