8th March 2026
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth, and Minister for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon are marking International Women's Day by highlighting progress in women’s participation in the Irish labour market and reaffirming the Government’s commitment to advancing gender equality in employment.
The Ministers noted the latest Labour Force Survey results published by the Central Statistics Office, which show continued strong participation by women across the economy, with 1,388,000 women now active in the labour force.
Minister Burke said:
“International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity to recognise the significant contribution women make across every sector of Ireland’s economy and society. The latest Labour Force Survey results show increased growth in women’s participation in the labour market, with more women than ever bringing their skills, talent and leadership to workplaces across the country.”
“While this progress is welcome, achieving full equality in the workplace requires sustained focus and action. Government remains committed to advancing policies that support women to enter, remain in and progress through employment. Recent initiatives under my Department, including the introduction of a new Code of Practice on Part-time Working, a review of remote working rights, and new legislation supporting people who wish to remain in employment for longer, form an important part of that work and support women’s careers at key stages of life.”
The Ministers also acknowledged the work of Balance for Better Business, the independent business-led initiative supported by Government that works to improve gender balance in leadership across Irish companies.
Minister Smyth said:
“More and more women are working, and we need to be represented in every sector. It is important that women are at the centre of Ireland’s digital and technological future. Ensuring greater participation of women in fields such as artificial intelligence will strengthen innovation, support economic growth and help us build technologies that reflect the diversity of our society. On International Women’s Day we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring women have the skills, opportunities and supports needed to succeed in the digital and AI economy, in line with our new “Digital Ireland” Strategy.”
The Ministers also highlighted Ireland’s participation in the Equal Pay International Coalition, a global multi-stakeholder initiative that brings together governments, employers’ organisations, workers’ representatives and international institutions to advance equal pay for work of equal value.
Minister Dillon said:
“International Women’s Day is a reminder of the progress we have made in opening up the labour market to women, and of the work still required to ensure equality of opportunity and equality of outcomes. Women’s participation in the workforce is to be valued. Women now make up almost half of our workforce. Expanding access to employment through flexible working including the right to request remote work, part‑time hours and other forms of flexibility is central to enabling women to enter, remain in and progress through employment.
Ireland’s membership of the Equal Pay International Coalition reflects our strong commitment to addressing the gender pay gap and promoting fair and inclusive workplaces. Engagement with international partners enables us to accelerate progress and share best practice in advancing pay equality. Ireland will continue to engage with partners, including the United Nations, on this issue during Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union. By combining strengthened workplace rights with a renewed focus on equal pay, we are supporting women to build long‑term, rewarding careers, and helping to create a labour market that is fairer, more dynamic, and better equipped for the future.”
The Ministers concluded by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting women’s participation and progression in the workforce through measures including improved childcare supports, flexible working arrangements and initiatives that promote equality and inclusion across workplaces.
Minister Burke went on to say,
“On International Women’s Day we recognise and celebrate the achievements of women across Ireland, while renewing our commitment to building a labour market in which everyone has the opportunity to participate, progress and succeed.”
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