Ireland one of the most unequal societies, study finds

THE Equality Authority is to spearhead a new drive to ensure greater equality in the workplace, particularly for women.

This follows a study which shows Ireland has become one of the most unequal countries in the developed world.

The National Economic and Social Forum found Ireland is ranked 51 out of 56 countries in terms of equality of economic opportunity for women, with mothers being paid less than men.

The study also found that while the country is wealthier than ever, it is also a more unequal society.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell yesterday launched the Strategic Plan of the Equality Authority for 2006 to 2008.

Speaking at the launch, Equality Authority chief executive Niall Crowley said disadvantaged groups still experienced "significant and persistent inequalities" in all the areas covered by Ireland's equality legislation.

He identified a range of issues, including "the 15% pay gap experienced by women, the absence of partnership rights for gay and lesbian couples, the underdevelopment of community care services and the impact of this on carers and on people with disabilities and older people in need of care."

The strategic plan will seek to attempt to embed equality thinking into organisations and institutions.

The NESF study revealed there is less equality of opportunity here than in many other European countries and this has changed little over the last decade.

It also said: "Labour force participation rates for women aged 35-59 years still lag well behind many other EU countries. A major barrier is reconciling work and family life, in particular the affordability and availability of childcare."

It also found that nearly 25% of our working-age population lacks functional literacy skills the second highest rate among 18 industrial economies.