There are a number of research papers that attempt to quantify the size of the Gender Pension Gap in Ireland. An Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI) report in September 2019 defined the gender gap in pension income as ‘the percentage by which women’s average pension income is lower than that for men. The report found that a gender pensions gap of 35% exists in Ireland – with the retired man receiving on average €150 per week more than the retired woman2 . Irish Life data from 20193 also suggests that women will see smaller pension pots than men and they also live longer – meaning that the pension pot has to go further. In the 12 months to August 2019, the report found that men drew down average total pension pots of €125,000 versus €69,000 for women in the Irish Life Direct Contribution (DC) Plans.

With the introduction of Auto-Enrolment expected in 2023 and the most significant changes to the Irish pension landscape for many years currently happening through the introduction of IORPsII and the report of the IDPRTG on pension simplification and reform, now is an opportune time to focus on this important societal issue and ensure that these considerations form part of future policy and product design. 

Mitigating the Gender Pension Gap in Ireland

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