Irish women earning 17% less than men

An EU report has revealed that Irish women still earn 17% less than Irish men.

The EU Commission Gender Pay Gap study shows that in 2009, 254,000 men earned more than 50,000, with 123,000 women earning the same salary.

Women in Ireland continue to have the primary responsibility for care of children and this is deemed to be one of the main reasons for discrepancies in pay.

Acting CEO of the National Women's Council, Orla O'Connor said that introducing paternity leave could help bring about more equality.

"Ireland stands out in Europe in that there's no legislative leave for fathers and that's giving a strong message about who should be doing the caring," she said.

"So there should absolutely be paternity leave and that need to be put in place immediately."

EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding said: "European Equal Pay Day reminds us of the days and hours that women have been working 'for free' since January 1. The principle of equal pay for equal work is written in the EU Treaties since 1957. It is high time that it is put in practice everywhere."