Men Dominate Top Earners in Ireland – Irish Times Report
- New data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) paints a stark picture of the gender pay gap in Ireland.
- The average annual earnings for female PAYE workers, working at least 50 weeks a year, were €49,022, compared to €63,520 for their male counterparts - a 30% difference.
- While the situation remains unequal,there has been some incremental progress.
Gender Pay Gap Persists in Ireland: New CSO Data Reveals Disparities
Table of Contents
Key Findings: A Snapshot of Earnings in 2024
New data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) paints a stark picture of the gender pay gap in Ireland. In 2024, men continue to dominate the upper echelons of earnings, representing 72.4% of those in the top 1% income bracket and 61% of the top 25%. This disparity highlights ongoing inequalities in the irish labor market.
The average annual earnings for female PAYE workers, working at least 50 weeks a year, were €49,022, compared to €63,520 for their male counterparts – a 30% difference. In Dublin, this gap widens to 32%, with women earning an average of €56,584 versus €74,687 for men.
Progress,But slow: Increasing Female Portrayal at the Top
While the situation remains unequal,there has been some incremental progress. The proportion of women in the top 1% earnings bracket has increased by 8.1 percentage points since 2014, reaching 27.6% – the highest proportion recorded since the CSO began tracking this data in 2011. Though, substantial ground remains to be covered.
Overall employment figures show a more balanced gender representation, with males accounting for 50.6% of employments active for at least 50 weeks and females representing 49.4%. However, this balance doesn’t translate to equal earnings distribution.
Regional Disparities: Where Earnings – and Gaps – Are Widest
Earnings vary significantly across Ireland’s counties. Dublin boasts the highest average annual earnings at €65,822,17% above the national average of €56,356. Kildare, Wicklow, Cork, and Meath follow, with average earnings exceeding the national average. Conversely, Donegal, Monaghan, and Longford record the lowest average earnings.
| County | Average Annual Earnings (2024) |
|---|---|
| Dublin | €65,822 |
| Kildare | €60,121 |
| Wicklow | €59,827 |
| Cork | €57,273 |
| Meath | €56,669 |
| Donegal | €43,445 |
| Monaghan | €44,045 |
| Longford | €45,056 |
Notably, counties with higher average earnings tend to exhibit larger gender pay gaps. In Sligo, the median male earnings were 7.7% higher than female earnings, while in Kildare, the gap was a substantial 29.6%.
Beyond Earnings: The Impact on Pensions
The gender pay gap isn’t just a current income issue; it has long-term consequences for financial security. Keith Butler of Ask Acorn highlights that the consistent underrepresentation of women among higher earners translates into a significant pension gap. Their research indicates a 40% pension gap between men and women in Ireland.
Even in traditionally female-dominated sectors like health and education, men are disproportionately represented among the highest earners, further exacerbating the problem.
What Can Be Done? Addressing the Root Causes
Closing the gender pay gap requires a multifaceted approach. Potential solutions include:
- Pay Openness: Mandatory pay gap reporting can increase accountability and identify areas for improvement.
- Equal Pay Audits: Regular audits can help organizations identify and rectify pay disparities.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Supporting flexible work options can definitely help women balance work and family responsibilities.
- Addressing Unconscious Bias: Training and awareness programs can help mitigate unconscious bias in hiring and promotion decisions.
- Promoting Women in leadership: Increasing female representation in leadership positions can create role models and drive change.