Implementation of the EU Gender Pay Transparency Directive is delayed

At a glance

• Ireland is required to transpose the EU Gender Pay Transparency Directive (Directive) into national law by 7 June 2026.
• The Department of Children, Disability and Equality confirmed on 10 March 2026 that the transposition of the Directive will not occur within the required timeframe. 

Presently, the Irish government has only published a General Scheme relating to Article 5 of the Directive, namely the provisions on pay transparency in the recruitment process. A General Scheme is a 'Heads of Terms' of sorts for draft legislation.

The government has indicated a further General Scheme will be published to cover the remaining provisions of the Directive, however they have not indicated a timeline for implementation.