Minister of State for Small Business, Retail and Employment Alan Dillon has announced Ireland’s accession to the Equal Pay International Coalition.

The Equal Pay International Coalition is a multilateral partnership working to reduce the gender pay gap at global, regional and national levels.

Minister Dillon made the announcement on the margins of the G20 Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting, which took place last week in George, South Africa.

“I am proud to announce that Ireland has officially become a member of the Equal Pay International Coalition,” Dillon said.

“This marks a significant step forward in our commitment, as a nation, in ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, receive equal pay for work of equal value.

“Aligned with the vision of the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Coalition works to accelerate progress toward this goal, recognising that sustained and collective efforts are needed to close the gender pay gap.” 

EPIC is a global initiative that brings together governments, employer and worker organisations, academia, civil society and private sector entities to tackle the gender pay gap through coordinated action.

It operates at global, regional and national levels, making it the only coalition of its kind to focus on equal pay.  

Gilbert Houngbo, International Labour Organization (ILO) Director General, said: "On behalf of the ILO, I warmly welcome Ireland to the Equal Pay International Coalition.

“As a co-lead of EPIC, together with UN Women and the OECD, we are pleased to witness the growing momentum behind this global effort to redress pay inequalities.

“Ireland’s strong legal framework and commitment to social dialogue further strengthen the Coalition.” 

Maíra Lacerda, Head of the Special Advisory Office for International Affairs at the Ministry of Labor and Employment of Brazil and Chair of EPIC said:  “Every new member brings valuable expertise and fresh momentum to our shared mission.

“Ireland’s longstanding commitment to pay equity and social dialogue strengthens our collective efforts to tackle persistent pay inequalities and promote fairer, more inclusive labour markets.

“Together, we grow stronger and closer to the goal of equal pay for work of equal value.”

Minister Dillon added that as an EPIC member, Ireland will benefit from membership, including through access to a wealth of global resources.

“We will also have the opportunity to exchange best practices with international counterparts and tap into a dynamic network of policy and equality experts.

“Joining EPIC is a joint initiative between the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, which leads on gender equality and gender pay gap policy.  

“This combined approach is designed to maximise the impact of Ireland’s membership of EPIC.” 

Photo: Áine Maher, Luiz Marinho, Gilbert Houngbo, Alan Dillon, Celeste Drake, Maíra Lacerda