On International Womens Day March 8th 2021 Mary #ChooseToChallenge Government to tackle the housing crisis, to insert the right to housing in Bunreacht Na hÉireann and to deliver justice to the survivors of Mother and Baby Homes.

The events of COVID-19 have had a profound impact on women in Ireland and worldwide, particularly in the area of work and care. It has exacerbated many existing inequalities in society including inequality that disadvantages women.

The Government is progressing a number of initiatives to address inequality. The Gender Pay Gap Information Bill 2019 will be progressed as a priority and assist with continuing to highlight the pay gap across companies and in the civil/public service. 

Further work on developing family leave options will encourage greater sharing of the care load and assist with addressing the assumptions that women are always the primary care giver.

The Minister has indicated that he intends to bring a Bill to Government this week to enact the existing commitment to extend parent’s leave and benefit from two weeks to five weeks for each parent and to extend the period in which it can be taken from the first year of a child’s life to the first two years.