Essential points

  • The gender pay gap in Ireland is the differential between the average pay of males and females within an organisation.
  • The implementation of the Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 and associated regulations require employers to report their gender pay gap each year, and the measures that are being taken to eliminate or reduce the gap.
  • For year 1, 2022, organisations with over 250 employees had to report. 
  • The EU Pay Transparency Directive is in force from 7 June 2023.
  • The central purpose of the Directive is to introduce gender pay gap reporting measures. All member state countries must transpose the Directive to national law within three years.
  • The Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 already complies with the basic requirements of the EU Directive on Pay Transparency but there is more work to be done for employers reporting a GPG of 5% or more as the Irish Government will have the power to enforce fines. The Directive will bring about changes in relation to recruitment and pay philosophy within organisations.  
  • Organisations will need to get ready in advance of these changes being in effect from 7 June 2026.

CIPD member content

This content is only available for CIPD members

Please note

​While every care has been taken in compiling this content, the CIPD cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice.

Employment
law advice

Want more employment law advice? Members can take out a discounted subscription to HR-inform for additional resources.

Callout Image

More on this topic

Employment law
Equality: Ireland employment law

Information on the law relating to equality, including how it applies to disability, pregnancy and age discrimination

For Members
Guides
How to talk about race at work

Principles, steps and considerations for organisations on how to have conversations about race with their employees

Webinars
Celebrating International Women's Day

Watch our CIPD Mid West Region webinar in celebration of International Women's Day

Guides
Anti-racism guide for people managers

Advice for line managers on how they can play their part in tackling racism in their organisation

More employment law resources

Employment law
Work Life Balance: Ireland employment law

Information on the law relating to remote working, medical care leave, domestic abuse, work life balance and the right to disconnect

For Members
Employment law
Equality: Ireland employment law

Information on the law relating to equality, including how it applies to disability, pregnancy and age discrimination

For Members
Employment law
Brexit FAQs for people professionals

Answers to frequently asked questions on the impact of Brexit in Ireland

For Members
Employment law
Whistleblowing: Ireland employment law

Information on key aspects of the Protected Disclosures Acts 2014 to 2022 including who is protected, what a 'protected disclosure' is, disclosure channels and protections, contracting out and compensation

For Members