Ireland

Section 2: Current legislative and Regulatory Framework

Equality [page 14]

“The Government is committed to promoting equality in all aspects of Irish society. The statutory-based Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission works towards the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equal opportunities. It is tasked with providing information and advice to persons who consider themselves discriminated against on any of the nine grounds in employment or non-employment situations.

Recent positive developments on equality issues include the introduction of statutory paternity benefit in 2016 and the launch of a new National Strategy for Women and Girls in May 2017. Work is also progressing on a new Equality/Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.

Ireland has been elected, for the first time, to serve on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for the term 2017-21. This will provide an opportunity to build on Ireland’s international engagement on the full realisation of the rights of women and girls. The Government has pledged to work to strengthen the voice and functioning of the Commission and to promote the participation of civil society in its work.”

Section 3: Actions

I. Key commitments to ensure policy coherence across Government [page 17]

“Ensure coherence between the implementation of the National Plan on Business and Human Rights and Ireland’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security”

  • Department of Foreign affairs and Trade

Annex 1 – List of additional and ongoing actions to be carried out across Government

Development Cooperation [page 21]

“20. Promote the Inclusive Economic Growth policy priority set out in “One World, One Future: Ireland’s Policy for International Development”, by encouraging and supporting partner governments to ensure that business and economic regulation and legislation implements national and international commitments to human rights such as those relating to gender equality – in particular promoting women’s access to formal employment, decent work, and the rights of marginalised groups.

21. Support developing countries to improve their business and investment environment and continue to promote transparent, accountable and effective governance systems, rule of law, and equitable and inclusive economic growth, including transforming economic opportunities and outcomes for women and girls.”